I grew up in  very small town.  So small, that I knew every first, middle and last name of every student in my graduating class.  Mostly because I had grown up with the same classmates since kindergarten.  It was a sort of community where change rarely happened, and when it did, an opinionated wave of uproar and rabble spread, regardless of the change's origin or intent.  

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? 

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. 

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

This year may escalate unprecedented changes to the grocery retail environment. Grocery retail, despite having a boon year for growth had previously been challenged on many fronts and the current economic climate, among other things, may mount those challenged retailers.
Amazon’s stronghold in the e-commerce space was made even stronger by consumers sheltering in place and trip consolidation. Direct to consumer companies are also gaining market. Shopper behavior, which has been shaping store sets and sizes, may also see dramatic changes. Categories that were often an afterthought at retail have come to the forefront.