Tense but positive

The Dutch pet shops have always distinguished themselves through one particular attribute: Diversity. Up until today, that has not significantly changed. However, the industry is moving, just as everywhere else, towards a turning point. From this point on, in a Darwin-like manner, only the strongest will survive and will end up competing for the customer's favour and attention. Today, according to the Dutch Pet Trade Organisation (DIBEVO), already more than half of the approximately 1 600 pet shops in the Netherlands are organised in chains or cooperative partnerships. A clear sign of where things are heading: Strength through merger. Let's be honest: In the future, the smaller, independent pet shops, as with everywhere else, will find it difficult to compete against the special purchase conditions and partnerships of the big chains. Furthermore, the gradual introduction of online shops, whose great pioneer Zooplus, has already gathered a large following, does not make it any easier for the small corner shop owners. However, this does not mean that the independent retailers have to bury their heads in the sand. In order to keep their heads above water and not get drowned by the big players, it will take unique accents in the independent shops to attract customers. This can be achieved via specialisation of the product range, with a live pet department or with service improvements. One thing is certain: A unique selling proposition is a must. Then, either sooner or later, the economic success should start to kick in, even in a more strained economic situation, as is currently the case in the Netherlands. Because, if it is beneficial for the health of the family pet, many Dutch people are willing to dig deeper into their pockets and rather cancel their weekend trips than put their pet's health at risk.
It's clear that, apart from the retailers, the industry has to ensure that pet owners understand the benefits of healthy eating and good, high quality accessories. A leading example of this is the Royal Canin company, who have recently opened a so-called "experience center" for a month in Amsterdam. Here, the company, amongst other things, demonstrated the importance of a healthy diet, the latest product developments and the different requirements of dog and cat breeds. This kind of commitment will certainly play in favour of Royal Canin's brand popularity and awareness. Nevertheless, pet shops will always profit from customers who decide to feed their pets…