Working out while walking the dog: the impact of the corona lockdown on dog accessories sales and trends in the UK.
Pet accessories sales during corona
Classified as ‘essential’, the majority of pet products retailers remained open during the UK’s lockdown period. This greatly benefitted the £1 billion (€1.1 / $1.27 billion) UK pet accessories market. Living with lockdown and social distancing since late March, has meant that many UK pet owners are now spending more quality time with their pets than previously. In addition, the daily hour of exercise away from home allowed under lockdown regulations has encouraged many dog owners to combine both their own and their pets’ exercise time.
Taking the lead
Lead and harness have always been viewed as a basic necessity. But, recently, there has been increased focus on more specialist products, such as lightweight and breathable products to provide comfort. In addition, reflective and hi-vis materials have also been in greater demand, as well as collars and leads with reflective lights.
The need for social distancing has also meant that owners of more than one dog have been buying products – such as dual lead systems – to keep their dogs under closer control. Waist worn jogging leads as well as bicycle systems to ensure that dogs are kept well away from the wheels, are in high demand amongst the more active dog owners. But leads and harnesses are not limited to dogs: products are increasingly available for cats, rabbits, ferrets and more.
Comfort and well-being
Demand for products that make taking pets outside the home easier has also increased. A number of suppliers have developed ranges of softer travel bags which can be used in cars, by pedestrians or attached to bicycles. Similarly, suppliers are selling mobile feeding equipment and pet drinkers similar to the drinking bottles that owners carry with them whilst exercising. And for letting the dog out during those rainy spells: rainproof outfits for dogs are definitely ‘à la mode’. Cleaning those muddy paws is easier than ever before with a multitude of cleaning products. Whereas dog drying bags do the job for dogs who cannot resist streams and ponds.
Agile adventures in mind
Opportunities for interactive pet/owner exercise when it comes to small animals is limited to in-house adventure towers, assault courses and such like. For the more intrepid owners and their dogs, a range of premium products makes the experience safer and more enjoyable for all concerned. Such products range from agility equipment through to life jackets, rash vests and core coolers for dogs that enjoy a more outdoor lifestyle. Increased interest in these product is likely to be a continuing driver for medium-term value growth in the UK pet accessories market.
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