For the 9th year running, the Global Pet Expo has handed out their Retailer Excellence Awards. The awards honor pet retailers in a number of different categories including sales, customer service, and store design.We’re inspired by the great work that each of these retailers has done. Their innovation and their single-minded dedication to delivering quality products that their customers are looking for is something we can all learn from.

Below we’ve highlighted 5 of the 10 winners from this year’s awards and tried to unpack what makes them great. Enjoy!

BEST SINGLE STORE RETAILER

Northpoint Pets & Company, Cheshire, CT

What They Do:

This locally owned retailer focuses on pet nutrition and behavioral well-being. They pride themselves on highly personalized service, acting as trusted advisors on healthy foods and functional supplements that help furry friends live long, full lives.

What Makes Them Unique:

Northpoint Pets & Company works with local, national, and international veterinarians and industry experts to bring expert information to their customers. From nutrition to training, to a variety of other topics, they’re on the forefront of the latest developments in the pet industry.

The experts at Northpoint Pets & Company apply the same kind of evidence-based, integrative approach to pet nutrition that is applied to human health and wellness. They collaborate with pet parents to create a personalized nutrition plan for their pets. Every pet is unique — their nutrition should be too.

Their Competitive Advantage:

At Northpoint Pets, it’s all about personalized service. This is a retailer that takes the time to listen to pet parents and to understand their pets. They offer the kind of guidance that can’t be found online. 

BEST MULTI-UNIT RETAILER (2-14 Stores)

Pet Pantry Warehouse, Greenwich, CT 

What They Do:

For over 70 years, Pet Pantry Warehouse has been a trusted local, family-owned, community-based pet specialty retailer. 

What Makes Them Unique:

Community service is a huge part of Pet Pantry Warehouse’s mission. They regularly team up with multiple non-profits to host weekly in-store dog and cat adoptions. They encourage every pet retailer in America to take advantage of this opportunity to pair furry friends with their new parents.

Their Competitive Advantage:

It’s all about rewards. With the Pet One® Club rewards card, customers get great savings and special perks. Easy sign-up means you’re eligible for exclusive events, coupons, and special offers.

BEST MULTI-UNIT RETAILER (15+ Stores)

Treats Unleashed, St. Louis, MO

What They Do:

Locally owned and operated, Treats Unleashed is your go-to for all-natural pet food, freshly baked treats and custom pet cakes, grooming and self-wash products, and services. They also offer a wide selection of quality dog and cat toys, collars, beds, pet supplies, and much more.

What Makes Them Unique:

The level of personalization is beyond impressive. Think personalized birthday or any occasion cakes made from scratch with peanut butter, carob, and yogurt, topped with special messages piped by hand.

They also offer free, personalized pet food consultations. Simply fill out an easy questionnaire and talk with an expert for your customized nutrition plan.

Their Competitive Advantage:

The Frequent Feeder program is a great perk.  Members enjoy a buy 12, get 1 free deal that includes over 12 premium brands. It’s just one of the many exclusive benefits of the Frequent Barker Club.

BEST MERCHANDISING/STORE DESIGN

Garden of the Paws, Centennial, CO

What They Do:

Locally owned, their loyal customers rely on them for natural pet foods, toys, and pampering spa and grooming services for their furry friends. 

What Makes Them Unique:

Their super-convenient, self-wash station includes premium shampoos, large comfy towels, and special grooming brushes for a fully pampered experience. Their amenities could put some human spas to shame.

Their Competitive Advantage:

Their punch card loyalty program is a great perk for customers, particularly if you’re taking advantage of their spa services, which also include nail trims, de-shedding treatments, and skunk odor removal.

BEST ECO FRIENDLY RETAILER

Agri Feed Pet Supply, Knoxville, TN

What They Do:

Agri Feed Pet Supply is the largest, locally owned and operated pet supply store in the Knoxville area. Established in 1976, their loyal customers rely on them for natural foods, healthy snacks, toys, and accessories for their furry, feathered, and aquatic friends. 

What Makes Them Unique:

They cover all the bases, from a self-service spa, to store-to-door delivery, dog training, rescue resources, a pet bakery, online ordering, and much more. 

Their Competitive Advantage:

With easy online ordering and free same-day delivery for orders over $75, Agri Feed Pet Supply makes shopping for pets convenient and affordable.

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