As the pet industry continues to evolve, independent pet retailers are stepping up their game. According to a recent article published by Pet Age, the key to staying competitive lies in becoming more than just a retail destination—today’s independents are embracing multi-dimensional services such as grooming, boarding, and training to meet the growing demands of modern pet parents.
Why Independent Pet Retailers Are Expanding Their Services
Industry experts report that nearly two-thirds of independent pet stores now offer on-site grooming salons, and an increasing number are adding boarding facilities each year. This shift toward a full-service model allows independents to compete more effectively with big-box and online retailers by offering something those giants can’t—personalized, community-driven care.
Chris Miller, CEO of Pet Palette Distribution, believes this approach is critical. He states, “There is a real need for our customers to provide better care and support for pet parents, and this one-stop approach gives them a complete resource in their own neighborhoods.”
Pet Palette's Support for the Independent Channel
To better serve these forward-thinking businesses, Pet Palette Distribution has launched several new initiatives:
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Pet Professionals Access: A special platform for groomers, trainers, and other pet care professionals who don’t operate a traditional retail storefront. These verified pros now have access to exclusive wholesale pricing and products.
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Lower Minimum Orders & Faster Shipping: Pet Palette recently reduced its minimum order threshold to just $99 and offers free shipping starting at $249 for business accounts (or $129 for pet pros). Most orders ship within 48 hours—many on the same day.
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Shopify-Powered Website: Their upgraded website offers improved speed, navigation, and user experience—perfect for busy pet businesses managing inventory and placing quick restocks.
Exclusive Products Designed for Independents
Pet Palette’s exclusive in-house brand, ThoozyPet, stands out with bold design, high-quality materials, and sensible pricing. This master brand includes toys, feeders, grooming products, and even USA-made dog chews—all designed to be display-ready for retail success.
As Miller explains, “ThoozyPet brings a fresh approach to the pet industry by offering high quality products at exceptional price points and margins.”
A Thriving Future for Local Pet Businesses
Looking ahead, Pet Palette sees a bright future for the independent pet retail sector—especially those embracing a mix of retail and service offerings. Whether you run a grooming salon, a small pet boutique, a farm & feed store, or a hybrid operation, the message is clear: offering full-service experiences is the key to long-term success.
“Neighborhood Pet is best positioned to provide this holistic list of needs, and Pet Palette wants to be their first wholesale choice,” says Miller.
Read the Full Article
To dive deeper into how Pet Palette Distribution is empowering the next generation of independent pet retailers, read the full article on Pet Age: Pet Palette Distribution: Future of Independents Lies in Multi-Dimensional Services