Have you noticed, it seems like everyone has a new pet. On Facebook, a show of hands in any social group proves many caved and bought a pandemic puppy. Comments range from hell yes, to huge excitement surrounding the new fur baby (and a million pictures). Some raise their hands with some embarrassment (with pictures and pup names also included).

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly one in three of Americans adopted a pet, according to the Insurance Research Council’s October 2020 report and 85 million families own a pet." ^1. In 2020, the pet category market size was $104 Billion. ²

So why are we, as SAS Retail Services, writing about the uptick in the purchase of puppies? At retail, the pet category is a complex category with multiple manufacturers, much variety, many, many SKUs. It's a category that can be quite profitable for retailers. It's also a category that, like those young pups, is HIGH MAINTENANCE. Here's a recent Supermarket News article about some of the challenges.

Keeping in stock is key and people just really like purchasing for their pets, so introducing a well-thought-through variety of products is also important. That's where we can help. Call us complex category crazy, but we love working these categories, and we are experts.

Covid-19 turned the world on its head.  We're defining new norms and what once made sense, is up for individual assumption and acceptance. Especially throughout the United States.  The Real Estate market had an astronomical increase rate over the last two years with no signs of correction, pet shelters' inventory is at an all-time low (YAY!) and auto-lots are practically begging people to trade-in their vehicles; almost making non-classic cars an appreciating asset.  Analysts are on a non-stop statistical hunt with our consumption and spending. 

What about shopping trends within retail? 

Retail stores go above and beyond your standard product

SAS Retail Services doesn't just stock, reset and remodel.  We assist local retailers in transforming their stores into elite gyms.  Just think of how else we can ramp up your store!

As the country opens up there will once again shift in consumption patterns. Restaurant patios will once again fill. And, as confidence increases, people will move from at-home alcohol consumption to out-of-home consumption.  According to a recent CNN article, alcohol sales fell for the first time since the pandemic began.

A wonderful thing happened this week. 

On Tuesday, June 15th, 2021 the U.S. Senate passed a bill to make Juneteenth a Federal Holiday.  It made its way to the House's steps and was overwhelming voted in-favor of recognition.  Now, we move forward with June 19th being celebrated Nationwide.

The masks are coming off and America is opening up.  The newest CDC regulations have sparked a new wave of interactions, and people are beginning to step back into the social light.  And, they're bringing pre-Covid practices with them.

We are ready in a moment's notice.

Crisis can have so many meanings.  At SAS Retail Services, we see a crisis as an opportunity to go above and beyond.  Though Spring is upon us, Winter left some areas with a crisis as a parting gift.  

As a ferocious ice storm blew through the Northwest, one of the Safeway grocery stores in Portland, OR was hit hard.  The roof collapsed, the interior structure compromised and a frontline food establishment was shut down, leaving many without that needed grocery location.

We were called, and without hesitation, our Team began picking up the pieces. Clean-up immediately transpired.  For safety, the interior was only accessed by Albertson personnel and constructions teams. 

Grocery workers are essential service providers who many may overlook during this pandemic.  They increased their efforts [across the world/nation] while adding in Covid-19 safety precautions of extra cleaning, expanded maintenance and no-contact online programs.

How do you encourage customers to shop, but also get them to do it quickly and efficiently?