Feliz navidog
THE old saying goes that a dog is for life, not just for Christmas. But according to Mars Petcare, the festive season is still “the most important time of the year” for the petcare category.
Demand for dedicated festive pet gifts has increased by 20% in the past two years, as owners are keen to involve their furry friends in the season of giving.
Roberto de Felice, strategic demand director at Mars Petcare UK said: “This rise is predominately driven by millennials (aged 19-38) who are the most prepared to spend more on their animal friends.
“Research has also found that two in five (40%) of these pet care buyers would spend just as much money on their pet at special events, such as Christmas, as they would on a friend.
“It’s also the only time of the year when we see new buyers into the category with 21% of seasonal sales driven by non-pet owners wanting to treat friends and family’s pets.
“Therefore, it’s important for retailers to stock up on care and treats products and maximise impulse purchases with in-store features.”
To appeal to these animal-loving shoppers, this Christmas Mars will offer a Pedigree Stocking for dogs and Dreamies and Whiskas stockings for cats.
Cat-owners can even involve their pet in Christmas dinner itself, with the Sheba Gift Box Christmas Dinner Collection.
It contains 12 pouches (or two 6 x 50g Fresh Choice packs); 8 Creamy Snacks (or two 4 x 12g Sheba Creamy Snacks packs); and a gold serving spork.
