SuperZoo as Seen by our Retailer of the Year

By Carol Boker

Editor in Chief of Pet Product News International and Pet Style News

This was the first SuperZoo show that we attended, and we loved it!  We had a unique opportunity to see the show from three angles – as winners of the 2008-2009 Retailer of the Year Award, as buyers for our retail store in Washington, DC, Chateau-Animaux, and as manufacturers selling our line of Zanadoo Gourmet Dog Biscuits.

As Retailer of the Year, we were presented our award at a large all-industry party on Wednesday night. The event featured several bars and plenty of great hors d’oeuvres. We received a Retailer of the Year plaque, banner and enlarged copy of the Pet Product News cover story, which we now display in our store. We were also featured in the Show Program and were treated to dinner at the Red Square restaurant at Mandalay Bay. We couldn’t have asked for better treatment!

As buyers, we enjoyed the diverse selection of vendors, some of which we had not seen before in trade shows in the East. The show’s layout was easy to maneuver and “neighborhoods” helped buyers focus on groups of related vendors. Most impressive were the free seminars offered at SuperZoo University, which were well planned and attended. The topics were timely, and the speakers were impressive. We attended five different seminars over the three days and came away with handouts and practical ideas for use in our store and website.

Finally, as vendors, we were very impressed with how smoothly the show setup and break-down went. Everything was very well organized, the facility was amazing, and we did not encounter a single problem throughout the show. People working the show – the organizers, logistics team and food service personnel – were all very helpful and friendly.  In addition, we took some good orders from new customers and made additional industry contacts throughout the show.  We are already looking forward to next year’s show!
 
Dennis P. Bourgault, Esq.
President, Chateau-Animaux
Washington DC 20003
www.chateau-animaux.com

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