The Power of Peer Groups

As you plan your trip to Global Pet Expo, you are likely looking forward to learning about new products and technologies for your stores, attending some fun events and catching up with colleagues. You can see our full schedule of events on our website. But what might be even better than coming home with new product information is coming home having made new connections with other retailers – retailers who have similar goals, deal with similar issues, and from whom you can learn and share with to take your business to the next level.

Members of IndiePet have the ability to connect with operators of over 1,500 stores – retailers who may already be doing what you are contemplating and who are willing to share their experiences and knowledge with you. Our members often describe their most valued aspect of membership to be the ability to talk with other retailers – to see how they do things, to benchmark sales, and to get ideas for successful marketing and promotions to keep shoppers returning to their stores.

Don’t take it from me.  Here are some thoughts shared by current members on the value of connection with their fellow IndiePet members:

Heather Blum, Co-Owner of five Petagogy stores in Pittsburgh, current Vice President of the IndiePet Board of Directors and Marketing & Awareness Committee member states:

“The insights I've learned from engaging with other members are invaluable. I've met retailers from all over the country – retailers who have single stores and retailers who have upwards of 60 stores – who have shared amazing ideas and best practices that I have adopted in my own business. These ideas have been as simple as hand writing notes to customers whom I haven't seen in my stores for more than 6 months to selling brand sponsorships that pay for the reusable bags sold in my stores. The peer-to-peer connection is something only groups like IndiePet can provide, and only by participating – by joining a committee, attending IndieChats, engaging at tradeshows – do members benefit from this structured connection. Membership dues are an investment in the health and growth of my business and well worth it!”

Andy Avigdor, owner of eight My Pet Market stores in Arizona and Growing People Committee member says:

“The collaboration and knowledge-sharing among independent pet businesses within the IndiePet network has helped us better navigate the competitive landscape dominated by large online retailers. These conglomerates often prioritize their own interests over providing a personalized shopping experience and ensuring the well-being of pets.

In my opinion, the true return on investment for our IndiePet membership lies in the collective strength and resilience it fosters among independent pet businesses. I am proud to be part of this community and look forward to continuing our collaboration.”

If you would like to experience what it is like to be a part of the IndiePet peer group, join us at Global Pet Expo.  IndiePet is co-hosting some great networking opportunities for members and non-members alike beginning with a birthday celebration for member/partner Candace D’Agnolo founder of Pet Boss Nation. Come by IndiePet’s booth #5824, aka the IndiePet Lounge on Wednesday, March 26 at 10am for cake and Mimosas and share the good cheer.

Later, on Wednesday, plan to be at the Spotlight Stage by 1pm to join in on an IndiePet panel discussion – a “live” version of our popular IndieChat. IndiePet members will share and discuss What Moves the Needle at their pet retail stores. Learn from member successes and share your own to help other retailers. This type of engagement is one of the greatest benefits of being part of IndiePet.

And finally, IndiePet and APPA are co-hosting the popular Top Golf Event for buyers on Thursday, March 27 from 6:45pm to 9:45pm. This event requires preregistration and you will enjoy 2 free drink tickets per attendee, plus complimentary chef-crafted food; networking with like-minded buyers over drinks or a golf game; awesome AR golf games for all skill levels like Angry Birds; fun prizes from our friendly golf competition; and an opportunity to connect with the APPA & IndiePet teams. 

Membership in IndiePet gives independent pet retailers strength in numbers and many opportunities to connect – with other retailers, with industry experts, with other members. Whether you operate one store, ten stores or sixty stores, collaboration with your peers will open doors you never imagined.  Take advantage and succeed.