Great numbers at Backer’s

More than 9 000 pet store owners and managers, distributors, boarding kennel operators, grooming professionals, mail order catalogue and speciality gift stores buyers are expected to attend the 42nd Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show and Educational Conference, to be held 3-5 October in Rosemont. This year’s show is expected to draw nearly 1 000 pet supply manufacturers and distributors, occupying more than 1 500 booths. Because of the previous success of Backer’s aquatics pavilion, this year’s show will feature a new “Aquatic Answers” hall, which will be located near the show entrance. It will feature aquatic exhibitors, freshwater and saltwater tank displays and a large lounge area to facilitate “Ask the Expert” sessions between well-respected aquatic professionals and store management/employees. A new addition to the Christmas show is the “All-Natural” area, featuring companies with natural or “green” products representing nearly every segment of the pet industry. One retail store owner will win $ 25 000 worth of animal display fixtures by Casco Group, plus a $ 5 000 store design plan by Chris Miller of Pacific Store Design.