Retailer Excellence Awards

Retailer Excellence Awards Revamped for Global Pet Expo 2023

Pet Business and Global Pet Expo officials are now accepting nominations for the 11th-annual Retailer Excellence Awards, which have been revamped for 2023.

Now in its 11th year, the Retailer Excellence Awards was created to celebrate pet specialty retailers of all shapes and sizes for the important work they do in helping pet owners provide the very best care for their animal companions. For the first time since their inception, however, the award categories will be completely based on business size this year.

Best Single-Store Retailer

This award recognizes a single-store retailer that excels in sales, customer service, merchandising and community service. Nominees should also provide a clean, safe and professional environment for customers and employees while demonstrating care, concern and knowledge of companion animals.

Best Multi-Unit Retailer (2 -14 stores) 

This award recognizes a small to mid-sized multi-unit retailer that demonstrates an ability to maintain excellence in sales, customer service, merchandising and community service across all of its locations. Nominees should also provide clean, safe and professional environments for customers and employees while demonstrating care, concern and knowledge of companion animals.

Best Multi-Unit Retailer (15+ stores)

This award recognizes a large multi-unit retailer that has been able to scale up the excellence it demonstrates in sales, customer service, merchandising and community service across all of its locations. Nominees should also provide clean, safe and professional environments for customers and employees while demonstrating care, concern and knowledge of companion animals.

Best Live-Animal Retailer

This award recognizes a retailer that demonstrates excellence in selling live animals as pets. Nominees should provide clean, safe species-appropriate environments for all animals in their care and have a deep understanding of the care requirements of each pet they sell.

Best Multi-Service Retailer

This award recognizes a retailer that effectively combines retail offerings with a broad spectrum of services, including grooming, training, boarding, etc. 

Best Merchandising/Store Design

This award recognizes a retailer that demonstrates outstanding creative techniques to promote sales and services. Aspects that will be considered include merchandising displays, store layout, curb appeal (including window displays), lighting and fixtures.

Best Customer Service

This award honors a retailer that provides an unmatched level of customer service. Recognition should be given to staff that addresses the needs and questions of pet owners in a knowledgeable way, demonstrates familiarity with products and services, and effectively handles issues or concerns in a productive manner.

 Best Community Service/Outreach & Partnership

This award recognizes a retailer that has made a connection with its community through involvement in a variety of events and/or causes that reach out beyond their store. Efforts should demonstrate fellowship, integrity and a clear demonstration that the store is committed to giving back to its community.

 Best Internet Marketing 

This award honors a retailer that has truly embraced digital marketing to promote their business. Areas that will be considered include online advertising, newsletters, blogs, mobile/text marketing, etc.

Best Ecofriendly Retailer 

This award honors a pet store or chain that demonstrates a strong commitment to taking a sustainable, ecofriendly approach to retailing. Factors that will be considered include ecofriendly business practices, product selection and support of ecological causes.

Award nominations will be accepted from manufacturers, retailers, sales/marketing reps and distributors until February 25, 2022. Nominations can be submitted here, or download a nomination form and email it to mkalaygian@petbusiness.com.

The winners will be determined by a committee of Global Pet Expo and Pet Business staff members. The results will be announced at an awards ceremony held on March 24, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

For more information about Global Pet Expo, visit globalpetexpo.org.