Retailer of the Year 2009-2010

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.

Life of the Party
A sense of fun and a reputation for reliability make Four Your Paws only a mainstay in its community and our choice for Retailer of the Year.
By Devon McPhee

We’re like a Cheers for dogs,” said Kathy Ahearn, who runs the pet shop Four Your Paws Only in North Conway, N. H., with her husband Brian. “We know all of our customers’ dogs by name.”

While stocking food and other products for cats, birds and small mammals, the store focuses mainly on dogs, especially puppies.

For several years, the shop has hosted a Saturday morning puppy play group, which recently has taken place in the shop’s new puppy playroom, a bright, cheerful space off of the sales floor where customers can come in and play with their puppies. Each Valentine’s Day weekend, the shop’s staff throws a puppy party that includes free photos, dog ice cream, treats, free nail trims, bandanas and gift bags. The store offers a VIP Puppy Club and a special section of supplies and services, including obedience training, for young pups. Read full story» 

Runners Up 2009 - 2010

Paw Prince—Unique Gifts for Pets and their People  Outstanding Boutique Award Anchorage, Alaska www.pawprince.net
Holistic Pet Center— The Health Food Store for Pets Outstanding Holistic Award Clackamas, Ore. www.holisticpetcenter.com
The Animal House—Feed Your Pet, Wash Your Pet, Love Your Pet  Outstanding Web Presence Award Damariscotta, Maine www.theanimalhouse.net
Piglet's Pantry—Dog Bakery Outstanding Merchandising Award Mt. Dora, Fla. www.pigletspantry.com
Doggie Style—Bark Less, Wag More Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award Philadelphia, Pa. (six stores) www.doggiestyle2.com
LuLu & Luigi LLC—For Discriminating Pets & Those Who Love Them  Outstanding Pet Services Award St. Louis Park and Wayzata, Minn. (two stores) www.luluandluigi.com
South Bark Dog Wash - Home of the Blueberry Facial Outstanding Community Service Award San Diego, Calif. www.southbark.com
Teca Tu—A Pawsworthy Emporium & Deli  Outstanding Adoption Award Santa Fe, N.M. www.tecatu.com
Outer Barks - Largest Selection of Unique Gifts for Dog Lovers on the East Coast  Outstanding Companion Animal Award Duck, N.C. www.outerbarks.com
California Pets— A Full-Service Pet Store Outstanding Employee Training & Management Orange, Calif. www.californiapetsoc.com
Sloppy Kisses—A Treat Boutique for Dogs Outstanding Specialty Award  Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park, N.Y. (two stores) www.sloppykissesofsaratoga.com

Click here  to view the 2008-2009 winners.