How serious should we take the online sales of pet products? How are the online growth rates and how do they influence high-street pet shops?
Unbridled growth
Wow, what’s happening out there!? The online sales of pet products is growing extremely fast. According to Statista, the online sales of pet products in 2011 amounted to $1.18 billion (€1.07 billion) only to increase to its current value $1.86 billion (€1.68 billion). That’s an increase of 58% in just four years! Compare that to the modestly growing (and sometimes even shrinking) sales and profits for pet shops in your neighbourhood.
This growth of online sales is not confined to the US. European and Asian consumers are also starting to discover the advantages of online shopping in addition to the occasional visit to a pet shop once in a while.
Free and fast delivery
Online sales means convenience for customers. No more carrying home large bags of pet food, scratching posts or kennels. Free delivery is becoming the standard. Delivery times are also getting shorter: a few years ago, we had to wait a few days or even weeks for a delivery whereas nowadays overnight delivery is normal. And online retailers seem to be focusing on superfast delivery, such as same day delivery. Pet owners will soon find out how convenient such a service is when they have suddenly run out of pet food.
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Hong Kong government celebrates e-commerce shopping festival
Pet care retailers participated in the event to enhance their penetration into Mainland China, the world’s largest e-commerce market.
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