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Pet product manufacturers are investing into the production of 'premium shampoos,' a lucrative segment of the pet product industry. Dog owners have shown an increasing concern about the chemicals manufacturers are using to make dog shampoo. This has motivated dog shampoo manufacturers to improve their product line by using non-toxic materials and applying more exotic formulas to satisfy eager customers. The result is a complete line of dog shampoos with different uses, such as skin moisturizers, control of skin problems, cleansing and conditioning shampoos and odor removers.

The advent of new and innovative dog collar designs could very well generate additional sales for pet store owners during the holiday season. Although such items feature brighter colors, better prices and adjustability, the use of computer-generated designs gives the products a more competitive edge. The use of new materials such as Olefin, for instance, guarantees more durability and strength and allows manufacturers to combine colors which do not fade. A description of various manufacturers' products is included.

Pet Food Savemart relies on special promotional events to boost sales. For example, the store chain sponsors various events to coincide with holidays such as Christmas, Halloween and Groundhog Day. The proceeds from most of these events go to local humane societies, animal charity groups and animal shelters. Besides these special holiday events, the stores also practice regular promotional events such as weekly pet shows, contests and roving costumed characters.

Japan's pet food imports increased from only 35,870 tons in 1988 to 211.074 tons in 1992, posting an annual growth rate of 56%, according to figures released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The agency also revealed that 40% of total imports for 1993 were US-made products. Imported products recorded a higher growth rate compared to Japanese-made products. Dog food imports led all other pet food categories in terms of growth, increasing twelvefold during the 1988-1992 period.

About one-third of all pet owners in the US and Canada purchase pet food at retail pet stores while nearly another third purchase food directly from veterinarians. The findings were based on a survey conducted by the American Animal Hospital Assn. The figures illustrate that a growing number of pet owners are starting to rely on pet stores and veterinarians for pet feeding needs.

The retail operations of Bone Appetit Pet Supply and Nutrition Center are supplemented by a service shop called Poochies Self Service Pet Wash and Espresso Bar. It features wash tubs, automated pet dryers, medicated shampoos and plenty of capuccino and espresso for the pet owners. The combination of the retail and service operations has proven to be very successful. The owners overcame the problem of combining food service with pet bathing by building a floor-to-roof wall separating the espresso bar from the washroom.