Retailer of the Year 2010-2011
The Pet Product News International Retailer of the Year award was created more than a decade ago to recognize retailing excellence in the pet industry. Pet Product News International, the pet industry's leading trade magazine, profiles the top Retailer of the Year in its September issue. Eleven additional category award winners are profiled throughout the upcoming year. All 12 winners also serve on the Pet Product News Retail Advisory board.
Candidates for the various awards are selected from hundreds of applications received from retailers wishing to be considered for this honor. Retailers submit their applications, along with additional materials (photos, videos, event materials, ads etc.) that help the magazine staff make the best decision. Staff members look for the following criteria: employee training practices, promotion of companion animals and pet adoptions, involvement with humane professional and service organizations, innovative promotions, effective strategies in the marketplace, community impact and industry impact.
The top winner receives his or her award at the SuperZoo trade show in Las Vegas in September. The winner and a companion are flown to the show and given accommodations by the sponsor of the contest.
Lofty Dog Keeps on Rockin’
Located in an historical music setting, the hip retailer is at the forefront of “keeping it weird in Austin.”
By Lizett Bond
Austin, Texas, “Live Music Capital of the World,” was once the home of Liberty Lunch. The lively musical venue played host to such greats as Dolly Parton, The Count Basie Orchestra and Smashing Pumpkins while a sea of bobbing heads jived on its wavy floor. The building, once slated for destruction, boogies today with renewed energy. Pickles the pug and Ruggles the Boston terrier may have replaced the Ramones, but the joint still rocks.
Just ask Veronique Michalik, owner of Lofty Dog, Pet Product News International’s 2010-2011 Retailer of the Year, if the place is in tune with its historical vibe.
“Absolutely,” she said.
Four years ago, Michalik and husband Ed found themselves empty nesters and made a decision to leave their quiet life in the suburbs for downtown Austin. At the time, Veronique was working in land development... Read full story»
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Absolutely Fish
Outstanding Education Outreach Award
Clifton, New Jersey
www.absolutelyfish.com |
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Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies
Outstanding Holistic Approach Award
Bedminster, New Jersey, and Broadway, New Jersey
(two stores)
www.cherrybrook.com |
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Debbie’s Pet Boutique
Outstanding Customer Service Award
Windsor, California
www.debbiespetboutique.com |
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House of Fins LLC
Outstanding Employee Training & Management
Greenwich, Connecticut
www.houseoffins.com |
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Pampered Pup’z
Outstanding Community Service Award
Libertyville, Illinois.
www.pamperedpupz.com |
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The Yuppy Puppy LLC
Outstanding Adoption & Companion Animal Support Award
Spokane, Washington
www.yuppypuppyspokane.com |
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Tomlinson’s Feed & Pets Inc.
Outstanding General Pet Store Award
Austin, Texas (five stores)
www.tomlinsons.com |
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Hollywood Premier Pets
Outstanding Merchandising Award
Palm Desert, California
www.hollywoodpremierpets.com |
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Yankee Clipper Pet Grooming Inc.
Outstanding Grooming Shop Award
Rockport, Maine
www.yankeeclipperpetgrooming.com/ |
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Elephant Nose Pet Center
Outstanding Pet Services Award
Morristown, New Jersey
www.elephantnosepetcenter.com/ |
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Two Bostons
Outstanding Boutique & Specialty Store Award
Naperville, Illinois (two stores)
www.twobostons.com/ |
Click here to view the 2009-2010 winners.
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