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Beds
APRIL 2018 • 104 •
petbusiness.com
“We don’t have the full research on 2017 yet, but
we know that pet beds had a compounded annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2 percent in 2016, the
highest in all the durable pet care categories,” says
Spence. “Currently, the percentage of dog beds
versus dogs owned is still low—only 26 percent of dog
owners purchased a bed in the previous 12 months.
But with increased consumer understanding of the
benefits, this gap is closing. This rush to improve
our pets’ health and comfort creates a tremendous
opportunity over the next several years.”
Although you’ve heard “dogs are family members” a million times, it is worth
repeating again because this mantra is a sales tool you can’t afford to ignore. It’s
especially critical for this category, where you will want to—if possible—steer
customers towards higher-quality, premium products.
Along with giving their pet an experience that measures up to their own, this
“family member” mindset means the beds are likely to be on full display in the
home rather than tucked away out of view, says Sarah Johnson, sales coordinator
for P.L.A.Y.—Pet Lifestyle and You. Based in San Francisco, the company designs
eco-friendly, premium pet bedding, plush toys and outdoor/active lifestyle products
for dogs and cats, as well as accessories for pet lovers. It’s something pet specialty
retailers should keep in mind when it comes to building bed inventories that sell.
SLEEPYTIME SOLUTIONS
Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes. From lofted cushions and memory
foam mats, to hammocks and modern designs, here are some of the best
options on the market:
Arlee Pet Products ( arleepet.com) provides
a range of fashionable and functional
products—such as cushions, beds, sofas,
and orthopedic mattresses—for dogs and
cats of all sizes, with home décor and pet
comfort in mind. The company uses several
types of fill technologies including polyester
fiber made from recycled plastic bottles,
Ortholux branded shred orthopedic foam, Thermatec self-warming technology and Posture Pet orthopedic cushions. The Ortholux bed comes in three
sizes, has removable stuffers and has a removable machine washable/
dryable cover. The foam filling allows air to circulate, keeping the dog
comfortable. The company also offers machine washable/dryable throw
blankets in an array of constructions, fabrics, colors and pet-centric patterns. Custom and private label programs are available.
Carolina Pet Company ( carolinapetcompany.com) National Park Collection beds carry a woven label for the park
represented, along with the “Warrantied to
be a Pendleton” patch. The collection draws
inspiration from Pendleton blankets, translating
these patterns onto pet-friendly fabrics that are
machine washable. The beds are filled with 100
percent recycled high-loft Memoryfiber and
incorporate a channeled liner that prevents the
fill from shifting or bottoming out. The covers
are zippered for easy removal. The selections include: Acadia, Badlands,
Crater Lake, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Rainier, Rocky Mountain and Yosemite
National Parks.
The Messy Mutts ( messymutts.ca) Studio
Bolster Dog Bed with Everfresh probiotic
technology for natural, non-toxic odor-control is
overstuffed with filling, and constructed using
premium, heavy-duty upholstery that is removable and machine washable for easy cleaning.
The cushion is reversible and the non-slip base
prevents shifting, keeping the bed in place. The bed is available in a variety
of colors and textures, and comes in three sizes.
The Luxe Pup Lynx Lounger dog beds from Pup
IQ ( pup-iq.com) are designed with top-quality
materials and construction, and filled with
premium AdaptaLoft fiber for long-lasting support. The double-stitched Kevlar thread ensures
long-lasting durability.
Katherine Elizabeth Pet Products ( kepetproducts.com) manufactures
four collections of orthopedic pet beds designed for all stages of life. The
beds are moisture-resistant and feature a supportive orthopedic mattress
incorporating a visco, memory-foam topper
to reduce pressure points. The bolster is detachable, and the company also offers an optional
wood ottoman or artisan-forged metal frame
to elevate the pet off the floor and away from
drafts, while creating a décor look. The newest
collection is the Chad bed, which is designed with
a rugged denim cover, burnished gold topstitching and a brass zipper. The
company also offers the Charlie collection of reversible beds.
molly mutt ( mollymutt.com) makes patented
dog bed duvets and stuff sacks that allow
pet owners to stuff their molly mutt beds
with clothing, pillows, blankets or other soft
washable leftovers from around the house.
continued on page 108