In This Issue
Pet retailers react to Crown's distribution move
RRPs should be protected, says pet shop
Divided opinion among some retailers
Pets at Home buys Vets4Pets in multi-million pound deal
How to build your business
Feeding muesli-style foods can harm rabbits, claims new report
Record number of exhibitors in British pavilion at Zoomark
OATA non-members urged to have their say
Verm-X boss stars on BBC Gulf News
It's only April yet Gardman pet care is planning for Christmas
Grimsby pet shop owner seeks entrepreneur award
Albion Meat Products re-brand BARF range of products
Dangerous dogs laws must focus on prevention, say vets
Lily's Kitchen extends product range
Lizard stolen in Liverpool pet shop burglary
Empty Comet shop could turn into Pets at Home outlet
All change for Johnson's in the Midlands
REACH A WIDER AUDIENCE
Here's how Pet Trade Xtra can help you...
Each week Pet Trade Xtra is sent out to 8,017 subscribers, made up of 4,011 pet retailers and suppliers, 3,528 garden centres and 478 vets.
Instant access to news
A growing number of Pet Trade Xtra subscribers (22%) are accessing the newsletter via a mobile device, like a smart phone or tablet. But computers are still the prefered option with 78% reading the breaking news this way.
Taking their time...
The average time spent reading Pet Trade Xtra is over three minutes, and the average number of stories read each week is also three.
CONTACT US NOW
Find out how Pet Trade Xtra can help to promote your business and products. Contact neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk
for all editorial matters or pat.flynn@tgcmc.co.uk to discuss advertising and sponsorship opportunities.

Divided opinion among some retailers

Keren Delamere, of Bella's Pet & Garden Supplies, said: "Anything that stops the rampant growth in out-of-town pet superstores and online shops is fine by me, and the fact Crown is only available to the smaller stores has got to be a good thing. 

"I have been fully supported by Crown's sales and accounts departments throughout the transition, which was difficult at times.
 
"There may be some behind-the-scenes ramifications that I am unaware of - I am a pet shop owner not a politician – but I am very happy with the all round situation."

And PamPurredPets MD Steve Fowler said: "I pleased to say that the super premium brands of Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved continue to grow significantly within our 45 stores."

C&M Pet Supplies, of Preston, has continued to stock Crown products and has seen a slight increase in sales. But the shop's Martin Sumner said: "I have been disappointed that the price of goods increased from what I use to pay (decreasing my profit margin) and I have been let down twice on the next-day delivery.

"I understand there have been teething problems and these will be ironed out, but I was promised a call from the local rep and his boss in relation to the first let-down and they must have been too busy for a small shop like mine.

"To really help independent retailers who cannot stock masses then you need to do what it says in the terms and conditions and also improve your own customer service."

Hawkes Green Pet Supplies in Cannock disagreed with Andy Reed's comment that focussing on pet shops and quality, and offering great trading terms was key. "It's a bit pointless if you can't get the stock," the store told Pet Trade Xtra.

Hawkes Green was told it couldn't get a delivery on the day before Good Friday because Crown were too busy because of the Bank Holiday. "This Bank Holiday was known about publicly for several years, so we find this situation at odds with their claims."

Meanwhile, at Eclipse Farm near Lincoln, David Swan said: "A lady came in this morning and asked how much a 15kg bag of James Wellbeloved Puppy was. I am cheap bear in mind. 'Oh no, I can buy on the internet for less than that and have it delivered', she replied. Is that helping the retailer?"

Related Stories
Related Articles
Email Software by Newsweaver