According to the U.S. Pet Market outlook (2019-2020), pet industry sales are topping 5 percent, with a five year $90 billion forecast over the next five years. It’s all about consumer loyalty this upcoming year when it comes to e-commerce. Let’s explore the most popular pet industry trends for the year to come:
Technology
As we enter the next decade, the driving force in the pet care market is technology. The boost in technology can be attributed to the pet industry growth of new products and services now in the market. Pet industry experts need to be thinking outside the box to deliver products and services to the pet industry. There are more pet products and services available every day. Those who are successful in marketing and retail will be successful with technology-based pet products. With the increasing use of e-commerce, it is crucial to package your technology in a way to appeal to the consumer.
Health and Safety Benefits
Products and services offered in 2020 need to demonstrate pet health and safety benefits. Try tying in veterinarians and pet industry health experts in the research and development phase. Having an expert available will ensure the stamp of approval needed to generate influence when introducing the product or service as well.
E-commerce & Brick and Mortar Channel Experience
It’s essential to have a seamless way for customers to have a quick and smooth shopping experience across channels such as mobile, desktop, and brick and mortar stores. It’s been proven that businesses with omnichannel operations strategies will have a 91 percent greater user retention rate than their counterparts. Having an omnichannel strategy, as well as operations, will be a necessity for retailers in 2020.
Subscription Services
Pet industry experts will agree that the rise of subscriptions in the form of auto-replenishment and monthly/annual memberships or subscriptions will be a driving force in the pet industry for the next year. Having a product offering, including health monitoring systems, wellness, and nourishment services and products, will give business owners a leg up for the time being.
Apps
Consumers want the ability to be linked between vendors service providers in the pet care industry. The way to accomplish this is through smartphone applications. Investing in an app will bridge the game between the two and make for a better user experience.
Soft and Hard Products Linked
Pet food and smart feeders have proven to be a success in the pet industry for 2019. We’ve seen pet food and smart feeders, automatic supply ordering, and smart cat litter boxes and cat litter. See more retailers offering soft and hard products in one package in 2020 to continue the success.
Pet Care Tasks Made Easier
Products in 2020 will be designed and engineered to make tasks easier for pet owners. As stated above, pet feeders and smart cat litter boxes are at the top of the list. Their popularity proves that state-of-the-art technology is where the pet industry is most promising.
Just like any other market out there, pet services and pet product trends tend to fluctuate year in and year out. 2020 is going to be a big year, in terms of pet trends that are on the rise in popularity. Some of these trends you may already be familiar with, such as the switch to organic pet food, social experiences geared towards including pets, and of course, the shift towards online pet supply subscriptions.
Organic Food for Your Pet
The switch to organic and natural food is something that's been happening for humans as well as their pets. Whatever is good for us is good for our pets right?
We've been working hard to eliminate artificial ingredients from the food made for humans for some time now. It's about time we've done the same for our animal friends who trust us to make the best decisions for their health and well being.
Pet food producers should be well aware of this trend, as pet owners are becoming more willing to pay the extra buck for organic or natural pet food when it is available. Not only is it where the money is, but it's also in the best interest of our pets.
Taking Your Pet Out On Adventures With You
We've always considered our pets to be a true member of the family, but in 2020, pet owners are taking that to the next level. Owners are making their pets a part of the various social experiences that they take on. Owners are taking their pets along on their travels, out to experience the nightlife scene, and with them to any other experiences where their pets are allowed to be with them.
Companies should be aware that this trend is on the rise. Making products or experiences that allow the family pet to join in on the fun is beneficial to business and pet owners alike.
Pet Supply Subscription Services
Online shopping as a whole is always on an upward trend, but now pet supply subscription services have joined in on the fun. Pet owners are enjoying this automated system of subscribing to have their pet's food, medications like organic paw balm, or treats delivered to them automatically regularly. Rather than worrying about getting out and shopping, or even carrying a 50lb bag of dog food into their home from the car, they sign up to have it delivered to their dog step automatically.
Conclusion
Having a pet is never going to go out of fashion, meaning taking care of them will always be a prominent necessarily. Some pet owners will even admit that they do more in the way of caring for their pets than they do for themselves at times. Keeping up on the trends of the pet industry trends is important for companies in that field just as much as it is for the owners. Both will benefit greatly from knowing what the newest and best things on the market for pets are.