Pandemic leads to different trends and having pets have taken the world by storm. During the first year of Covid, at least 3.2 Million households reportedly acquired a pet and the majority are young ones ranging from 16-32.
Online shopping with your pooch curled up at your feet is one thing, but would you bring your pet to a store? Retailers hoping to lure young people back to bricks-and-mortar shops should consider letting them bring their animal companions.
Research shows that social benefit is often identified as a key motivation for retail shopping. Its importance can be explained by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a theory from psychology that explains the connection between human needs and desires.
It was reported that young people find online shopping more convenient, effortless and economical. But online shopping does not have the same social benefit as in-person shopping, especially when four-legged friends are taken into consideration. Recognizing new forms of social shopping may be one way to bring people back to our high streets.
Disallowing people from shopping with their pets and unable to engage effectively in a marketplace. Shoppers do not take time to browse and explore when they are driven by negative emotions especially when they need to go back immediately. This can cost stores loss sale opportunities and may lead to refunds
Allowing dogs and cats into stores could bring further economic benefits to brands and might spend more money buying accessories for their pets or dining at a dog-friendly cafe.
Imagine the joy they’ll get from walking with their furry friend while interacting with other animals. Another opportunity for retailers is to trial pet-friendly merchandise, or special events to lure shopper traffic.
Some advantages also include mitigating concerns about hygiene, fears, and messy pets. They could designate pet-friendly shopping hours, and design creative signs to set shoppers’ expectations: Example is: “When your pooch messes up, please clean up”.
As more people welcome pets into their homes, it would be a wise strategy for retailers to welcome them too.