Tuesday, May 5th | 2:00 PM - 4:40 PM

Join us to tour local Chicago stores during your trip out to the session! Explore how the pet category is merchandised during this self-guided experience, with transportation provided to the following stores:

• Petco
• Pet Supplies Plus Chicago
• Pet Supplies Plus Des Plaines

Tours are for buyers only, and spaces are limited!

Tuesday, May 5th | 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

The pet market has been experiencing challenging times lately, but there are still opportunities in the pet food/treats and non-food pet supplies sectors. Drawing on proprietary Packaged Facts survey data, this presentation will examine the market from the pet owners’ perspective, looking at shifts in pet ownership and purchase motivators, including value positioning and health and wellness. Other highlights will include omnimarket strategies and retail channel shifts.

Shannon Landry is the Research Director for Packaged Facts Pet, a leading authority on the U.S. pet industry and a division of the Freedonia Group. She has been researching the pet market for nearly two decades, covering a range of topics including pet food and treats, non-food supplies, veterinary services, and non-medical services, with a focus on the U.S. market. Key areas of research include sales and new product trends, consumer purchase patterns, and pet owner sentiments and influences. Landry is a regular presenter at pet industry conferences and is a regular contributor to Pet Food Processing and PETS International journals.

During the entire week, we’ll feature Supplier Spotlights, a showcase where participating suppliers can spotlight one standout product (shelf-stable products or packaging only) for buyers to check out and vote on their favorites. It’s free to participate for suppliers, and a great way to spark conversations and get your brand noticed right from day one. Buyers, be sure to stop by to check out and vote on the featured products throughout the reception!