New

‘too Many Trade Shows Crammed Into A Couple Of Months!’

Editor’s note: Each month, we ask members of the PETS+ Brain Squad — our survey group of 1,100+ independent pet retailers and service providers — to share their thoughts on the pet industry. These “letters to the editor” are plentiful! We print as many as will fit in each issue’s Inbox, and even more run here on petsplusmag.com — like with this latest installment of From the PETS+ Inbox.

Jennifer Larsen of Firehouse Pet Shop in Wenatchee, WA, makes the argument for spreading out distributor trade shows to create a more manageable schedule.

“To our distributors: Too many trade shows crammed into a couple of months! Six shows in eight weeks. Travel expenses, time away from stores, money on orders, space for inventory — all make it a crazy hard time for small businesses.

“I hope distributors make adjustments for next year. I can’t help but think it would be better for them in terms of sales and orders. I haven’t even been able to finish the deal sheets due to being on the road for the next one.

“Way too close together, at least on the west coast. VSI in Feb, Global in March, AFCO and Phillips in April, PFE and Central in May, IPS in June. And I hope I have money left for Faire market in July and then for all brands again for SUPERZOO in August!

“I love trade shows and try to catch them all, but a little more time between them and we would likely have the time, space and money to order more.”

What’s the Brain Squad?

If you’re the owner or top manager of a U.S. pet pet store or service provider, you’re invited to join the PETS+ Brain Squad. Take a five-minute survey each month, and you’ll get a free T-shirt, be featured prominently in this magazine, and make your voice heard on key issues affecting the pet industry. Sign up here.

Back to Listing

credit:

‘too Many Trade Shows Crammed Into A Couple Of Months!’

What’s the Brain Squad?

Popular Products