Petco develops exclusive holiday collection to reach pandemic-driven pet parents
Whether it be a santa hat for a bearded dragon lizard or a flannel sweater for a puppy, pet parents like to get their pets involved in the holiday season.
Petco knows this — with shopper insights to support — and has launched an exclusive collection under the “Merry Makings at Petco” brand but also has teed up items from its Reddy own brand and more to help pet parents get their pets into the holiday cheer.
In fact, Petco Health and Wellness conducted a survey that found nearly 80% of pet parents agree that they are “most excited to spend the holidays with their pets than other human family members.” The San Diego-based retailer surveyed 1,000 U.S. dog and cat parents.
That kind of dedication deserves a collection of items and Petco launched its “Merry Makings” assortment. Items include more than 400 costumes, apparel, toys, treats, beds, collars, leashes, accessories and much more for dogs, cats and small animals. The items in the collection are priced under $40.
The lineup of holiday goods also includes fashion apparel from its popular Reddy brand like sweaters, camo jackets and more. There are even matching outfits available for pets and pet parents. Reddy recently opened its very own boutique in New York, a first-of-its-kind store in the pet space dedicated to an own brand.
Petco said more than 11 million pets found a home during the pandemic and it has opened a new generation of pet parents for the holidays. In the company’s survey of pet parents, just shy of 75% of pet parents said they plan to give gifts to their pets during the holidays, with about half saying they’ll spend more on gifts for their pets than other family members.
The retailer is hosting events at its stores, too, like a place to get a holiday picture taken with a pet and selling holiday-inspired foods so pets can enjoy the holiday feast. The retailer will have a “holiday shop” dedicated to the season on its website.