Downturn takes bite out of pet product market

Downturn takes bite out of pet product market "It's probably worse than toxic waste, but she loves it," saidarper, a 36-year-old attorney from Pelham, N. U. Prices for dog and cat food have increased nearly 10 per cent since 2006, excluding currency fluctuations and inflation, Linthicum said. Americans' disposable income has declined in each and every one of the past five months. "In America, you have to push harder to get people to spend," Euromonitor's Linthicum said. To cater to frugal consumers, some pet-food producers have borrowed tactics from human food-makers like Kraft Foods Inc. The company was to have reported full-year results Feb. Michelle Friedman, a spokeswoman for PetSmart of Phoenix, declined to comment on the company's discounting practices. "It's cheap and way easier to buy than anything else. She doesn't need organic dog food. "The saving grace for pet products is emerging markets," Euromonitor's Linthicum said. Mahon said some clients save all year to buy her products, which include bespoke beds that start at $3,100. "There has been a turn to practicality," Volpe said by email. "Our industry may not be recession proof; we're recession flexible," Sanders said. And they're asking for discounts more. Sanders, whose pet bulldog has its own Facebook page, said services like day care, boarding and grooming are now 75 per cent of his total revenue, compared with several years ago when the majority of sales came from food, dog collars and apparel. 1 billion, Mintel estimates. Andre Marin, a recruiter based in Arlington, Va. "The totally discretionary stuff is increasingly being cast aside," said Lee Linthicum, head of food research at Euromonitor. "Customers are going away from a number of the pricier accessories and more to the services you can offer," he said. Sales of Mahon's items, that include a Swarovski-laden collar and leash pairing for $1,135, fell as much as 25 per cent last year, she said in an interview conducted over the din of 10 new Saluki puppies. Dogs under Sanders' care romp around two hectares of outdoor play space and relax to the strains of classical music. sales of pet food should reach $20. 8 billion by 2016, up from $18. Downturn takes bite out of pet product market Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 03/03/2012