Solomons, MD – Are you making your holiday shopping list and checking it twice? Don’t forget to include a little something special for your furry family member.
Annually Americans spend more than $60 billion on their pets. It’s no surprise holiday gifts account for a big part of that spending. In fact, more than 80 percent of all pet owners plan to include their pets in gift giving this season. More than half of pet owners confess to having a Christmas stocking for their pets. Nearly 30 percent of pets will receive Christmas cards and more than 15 percent of American families include their pets on their Christmas cards.
In Southern Maryland, there are plenty of places to ensure your pets will be spoiled this holiday. Mary Beth Gates, the owner of Pepper’s Pet Pantry in Solomons Towne Center located along H. G. Trueman Road, said she’s trying to keep up with big box stores. “I already put out last year’s toys that have been in storage and we’ve been selling Christmas toys, a lot of Christmas toys.”
Pepper’s Pet Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We see an increase in sales of beds and leashes and collars.” Gates said people spoil their pets throughout the year but there’s an increase in more luxury items around the holidays.
If you’re buying for a pet other than you own, Gates suggested you steer clear of treats and toys. “We recommend mostly a gift certificate because so many dogs have allergies. If you buy a special treat it might be something the dog is allergic to.” Gates also said it’s the same rule of thumb for toys, “some dogs annihilate toys.”
When asked if she has seen new trends in the pet industry, Gates said there’s been a boost in sales for organic foods and treats as more pets are developing allergies. Pepper’s Pet Pantry is also selling political chew toys and jokes “we’ve sold more Hillary than Trump.”
Dogs seem to be a bit more spoiled than cats and traditionally dog owners are more likely to give a pet gift than cat owners. “I think what drives a lot of people is that they spend money on their kids and other family members that they feel guilty not buying for their dogs”, Gates confirms.
Contact Joy Shrum at j.shrum@thebaynet.com.
