Stephen Turner, Managing Director of Group 55, has urged pet retailers to use their specialist knowledge and turn their stores into destination centres where animal lovers can find all the advice and products they need.

What have been the successes of 2013?

Animology has continued to make good progress internationally and we have opened many new territories in 2013. New product development such as our Animology vitamins and supplements and the award winning Animology Fox Poo shampoo have also helped us consolidate and build on our achievements in more established markets. Domestically in the UK our Strikeback line of household flea control products have performed above expectation – we suspect this is a largely due to retailers gaining more trust in the Group55 brands as a whole, not just Animology.

What are the challenges still facing the industry?

The use of the word ‘still’ is fascinating. The biggest threat to the independent retailer is ‘still’ from grocers, national retailers and online but so established now is this threat that it is no longer news, it is simply the market place we all operate in. However, the pet category is becoming more important to an increasing number of national retailers able to provide outlets that are convenient, modern, well merchandised and, most threateningly, competitive. The position of the incumbent grocers, national retailers and online will come under threat like never before in the next couple of years and this is the biggest challenge for the entire pet industry. Just as the market is showing signs of slowing here and in the USA, competition is set to increase on an unprecedented scale. Independent retailers and small to medium product distributors alike will be squeezed in the face of this increased competition, driven largely by own label products and offerings from power brands vying to maintain their market position.

What are the opportunities going forwards?

Creative marketing opportunities are greater than ever before and they need not cost very much at all. Using such innovation to drive business awareness and loyalty is the biggest opportunity for all retailers. The independent’s ‘joker up the sleeve’ is that the UK has a world leading knowledge base working within our independent pet stores, advising pet owners on all matters relating to pet care – this should be exploited to the fullest. The key opportunity is simply to secure a loyal and growing customer base. Once a retailer becomes a destination retailer the threat of neighbouring businesses – big and small – becomes far less a consideration.

What are the reasons for optimisim?

It is very rare for a good business to fail. Far too much time and energy can be wasted on worrying about competition. A modern pet store owner can engage with their customer more directly than every before and offer products equal to or better than the competition at competitive prices. The pet industry is full of opportunity and the smart businesses are grabbing it.