Buying mood brightened

Soon it will be back to Italy: industry and trade will meet at Bologna Fiere for Zoomark. Around 1 000 exhibitors will present their new products to tens of thousands of pet industry visitors.  

The trade fair is also a good way of assessing the mood, and by the time Zoomark opens at the beginning of May, the first quarter of the new year will already be over – companies will have made their first assessments of how things are going and how sales are developing.

A survey shows positive sales trends: Pets­home Aquatop reports a 6 per cent increase in turnover. Zooma reports a weaker January after a good Christmas business, but an improvement in the buying mood from mid-February. Plaček Pet Products saw a 14 per cent increase in January, while Miazoo in Bulgaria reported a 10 per cent rise in sales – “although the winter months are usually always weaker,” admitted managing director Ivan Antonov.

In addition to aquariums, Petshome Aquatop has recorded strong growth in terrarium sales, with an increase of around 20 per cent. “This is not only due to a reduced range from competition, but also to our targeted measures: For example, we have successfully introduced complete sets for beginners,” reports Jürgen Grohs, managing director of specialist retailer Petshome Aquatop. In addition, the employees have received excellent training in this area to ensure that newcomers have a successful start to their hobby. The cat and rodent ranges performed solidly. In contrast, sales of dog, bird and accessories ranges fell slightly up to 10 per cent.

At Zooma, “the initial success of our conceptual changes for 2025 was evident as early as the first few weeks of the year, particularly in the advertising sector and in the revision of our product ranges and modules,” says a delighted Adin Mulaimovic, Zooma's managing director and head of sales at Zookauf. In February, the purchasing sentiment of the concept partners' customers strengthened significantly: “We were able to achieve sales at the same level as the previous year, largely due to special impulses at the POS and online.” The relaunch of the revamped information and communication platform Zookauf Inside is progressing well. According to Mulaimovic, external factors such as the sometimes massive increase in costs for service providers, insurance companies and upstream suppliers are a concern. “We also have some concerns about the overall economic situation, the development of which will have a significant impact on consumer sentiment in Germany.”

“We had a very positive start to the first two months of the new year,” says a delighted Dušan Plaček, owner of Plaček Pet Products in the Czech Republic. Following the successful Christmas business here too, some areas gave cause for satisfaction. “Our cat category is developing exceptionally well – innovations and new products have been very well received by our customers.” The dog segment remains solid. According to Plaček, the aquarium range has proven to be the most challenging area, with results falling short of expectations. “We are currently analysing the problems and seeking solutions.”

In its outlook for the current year, Petshome Aquatop anticipates moderate growth of approximately 4 per cent. Grohs expresses optimism ­regarding the potential for increased clarity in government formation to foster greater security and confidence among citizens, thereby stimulating consumption. He identifies significant potential in the aquaristics sector, both in freshwater and saltwater.  

The declining number of customers for dog food and accessories is being counteracted with targeted packages of measures such as workshops and customer events – “we don't believe that excessive actionism with price campaigns is the right measure.”

Zooma is also expecting a moderate increase in sales for 2025. “Although the situation is becoming increasingly difficult for owner-operated pet shops, we can offer our affiliated partners attractive purchasing options and services that provide significant advantages,” explains Mulaimovic.

Plaček has been cognizant of the unstable global situation for some time. “Given our experience of over 30 years, we know that we need to work even harder and focus on our customers.” However, Plaček anticipates a shift towards a more intense growth trajectory in the near future, with the cat category showing the most promising potential.

Antonov expresses a positive outlook, noting the succesful development of all product lines. Consequently, the Bulgarian businessman is forecasting a 12 per cent increase in turnover for the current year.

Grohs has ambitious plans for his group, with a focus this year on the conversion of Aquatop. The adventure zoo market will be given a completely new and modern shopping experience, with interactive zones featuring near-natural enclosures, lectures, live feedings and children's tours. There will also be test opportunities for food, toys and care products, recycling and upcycling programmes and more digital advice, including for pond and gardening, are all planned.

Plaček is seeking suitable locations for slight expansion and is focusing on stabilising the pet food segment. “We are working hard to ensure that the prices are right for our customers.”

Miazoo's goal for 2025 is to further establish its “Anipro” and “Eco Clean Box” brands. “We also want to expand our range of dry food.”

Zooma wants to continue on its chosen path of developing its partners into centres of animal expertise. The company's diverse network is now contributing to aspects such as customer acquisition and loyalty, says Mulaimovic. “We will place a clear focus on the cat range, where we still have a lot of potential.”