Business is booming. Really?

So this week seems to be my observation week of the economy. I was in my neighborhood pet boutique this morning where I buy Kozmo's food and they carry my product. I asked how business was in general. He said that this year is flat. Not up, not down. He felt that was good. I also spoke with another boutique owner not too far from him and she is struggling. So how is it that NPR had a story saying the pet industry is booming?

Well I took a closer look at these 2 store's situations. One is in a new development surrounded by condos and a fancy grocery store and hotel. But it is not an area that locals would come and walk around. It is a destination spot for groceries. If you are a hotel customer you will walk around and shop but that is it. The other store is also in a new neighborhood development. Has lots of great little shops around and new apartments. Both are considered in chic urban neighborhoods. Well where all of the customers? The boutiques are as they should be. High end, adorable products to spoil your pet any way you want. But maybe that is the problem right now? The market is different. People are still spoiling their pets but maybe not with items quite so expensive. So who is selling well?

I think the boutiques that are small chains with a broader range of product lines are doing well. I also feel you may need to cater to the "other pets"; birds, small animals, etc. Or perhaps you need to be in a higher income neighborhood? A touristy neighborhood? Someone is spending the money to get the statistics to where they are.

Well, I just bought my $65 bag of dog food this morning. Of course, Kozmo only gets the best. Perhaps those like me are keeping this thing alive!