Live animals pose a problem for shopfitters

All across Europe it is the classic pet shop, often trading in only very small premises, that is always the first port of call when purchasing a pet. And all across Europe large-format pet product stores are battling to shed the image that they do not display and sell live animals in conformity with animal protection directives. Both perceptions are out of date and in need of revision. European shopfitters have long since discovered a clientele among large- format pet product stores, DIY stores and garden centres that is grateful for shopfittings to take account of the needs of animals, and these shopfitters also offer the classic pet trade modern sales display systems too.Most small animal units and aviaries that meet animal protection criteria need a large floor area. Small island solutions are available, however.Many shopfitting companies in Europe report that there is still high demand for animal-friendly display units, and not just in branches of DIY chains and garden centres either. In Holland, Spain and Switzerland in particular there are still several potential projects, according to the spokes-man of one German shopfitting firm. These are not all entirely new construction projects at new stores; in some cases they are orders for long-established DIY stores and garden centres that have only introduced live pets into their sales range over a period of time but did not set up suitable animal housing immediately, or have been overtaken by the current legislation.Many shopfitting companies have specialised in fitting out precisely those DIY stores and garden centres. In contrast to the smaller pet shops it's possible to make an impression here with large units and lavish presentations, because for DIY chain and garden centre operators the pet product segment is regarded as a lucrative attraction that in some cases will even draw in an entirely new set of customers. It therefore goes without saying that a particularly large area is devoted to the live animal section, and the new pet presentation facilities are no longer just suited to the needs of the animals yet otherwise unattractive. They naturally still take account of the animals' requirements, but shopfitting companies have moved specifically in the direction of making the sales display units visually appealing too and geared to the shopping experience. A large measure of individuality for the respective customer, especially where the choice of colour and design elements is involved, is now taken…