Pet Business - April 2018

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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.