As we mark one month since IndiePet's second annual Neighborhood Pet Store Day, it's the perfect time to reflect on this event's incredible growth and successes. Held annually on the fourth Saturday in September (this year on the 28th), this event helped participating retailers realize real growth. With over 1,200 independent pet retailers across the US and Canada added to the Find-a-Retailer map this year, that's roughly a 77% increase, meaning participation more than doubled from 2023.
Independent Pet Retailers across North America celebrated Neighborhood Pet Store Day to recognize the vital community connections and personalized care they offer pet owners, like the Green Spot store in Omaha, Nebraska, owned by sisters Jessica Ellis and Whitney Kamish.
This surge in involvement underscores the event's strong resonance within the pet industry and among pet lovers. To help demonstrate the success of this year's event's success, let's look at the many ways indie retailers, brands, and consumers across North America celebrated this memorable day.
Extraordinary Growth and Community Engagement
This year's Neighborhood Pet Store Day saw a significant increase in brand participation, with more than 100 brand-sponsored Astro offers to entice consumers. This led to a whopping $2 million in MSRP generated, nearly doubling the figures from 2023.
Retailers went above and beyond to promote their best deals of the year through social media, in-store signage, and giveaways, bringing in regular and new customers and ringing larger-than-average tickets throughout the day.
A post-event survey from IndiePet revealed that the transaction volume surged by 25% compared to typical weekends, with overall ticket sizes showing up to a 30% increase. More than 71% of the responding retailers reported a considerable uptick in customer traffic, welcoming both loyal and new patrons.
This wasn't just another sales event but a community-building opportunity that brought together pet lovers and fostered deeper connections within the neighborhood.
A Showcase of Creativity and The Indie Difference
The true spirit of Neighborhood Pet Store Day shone through the creativity of participating retailers. Understanding the importance of offering more than just sales, local shops hosted engaging events and activities—from pet photo contests and adoption events to educational sessions on pet care and even snacks and custom treats for visiting dogs. These extraordinary efforts help to highlight the unique value of indie stores: personalized service, expert advice, and a deep sense of community involvement.
Retailers also leveraged this event to spotlight the "indie difference," sharing stories and testimonials of their impact on local pets and owners. This narrative, emphasizing personal customer service and unique product offerings, resonated with pet owners who value the specialized shopping experience and community engagement that independent stores provide.
Support Amplified by Brands and Influencers
Along with offering exclusive deals, pet food and supply brands took to social media to share their support of indie retailers. Pet influencers joined the fun and posted on their channels about how they celebrated the big day with their social media savvy pets.
Both groups actively promoted the event, emphasizing the importance of supporting local independent pet stores, highlighting the personalized care, expert advice, and contribution to local economies that indie stores offer –strengthening the movement of shopping locally and supporting community-based businesses over big box chains.
Looking Forward with Gratitude
The success of this year's Neighborhood Pet Store Day has set the stage for even greater celebrations in the future. Looking ahead, the Independent & Neighborhood Pet Retail Association and its supporting members are committed to continuing to grow and improve the event and to highlighting the importance and the vitality of independent pet stores.
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this wonderful occasion. Your engagement and passion have turned Neighborhood Pet Store Day into a wonderful annual tradition, celebrating the integral role that local pet stores play in our communities.
Mark your calendars now to join IndiePet next year on Saturday, September 27, 2025, as they champion support behind independent pet retailers and the diverse communities they serve and foster an even stronger bond between pet lovers and the local businesses dedicated to their care.
Your support and involvement make all the difference. Here's to growing together, celebrating our furry friends, and ensuring a thriving future for independent pet stores and their communities.