Retailer of the Year 2011-2012

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, 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 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.

Doing Well By Doing Good
By focusing equally on family, community and pet nutrition, the Connecticut-based retailer shows it has its heart in the right place.
By Lizett Bond

It’s an American institution, that dream of creating an entrepreneurial legacy.

The Pet Pantry Warehouse saga began in 1945 with World War II Army Air Forces servicemen, Mort Davis and Jac Cohen. The pair formed their alliance over a British puppy adopted by Davis while stationed in wartime England. After accomplishing a stateside transfer for the lucky pup, the two remained friends, joining forces in the pet food business. Davis passed away in the late ‘60s, but Cohen soldiered on with their enterprise.
 
The Pet Pantry Warehouse torch passed to the Jacobson family in 1995 with the purchase of the venerable Greenwich, Conn., establishment. A commercial real estate broker, Barry Jacobson acquired the business, and his two sons, Ari and Adam, still in college, began working in the store during summer break, along with childhood friend Joshua Roth... Read full story» 

Click here  to view the 2010-2011 winners.