Independent Pet Retailers Reported Transaction Decline
A new industry report highlights changing consumer habits for local pet stores across the United States.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Pets — General
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Independent pet retailers have faced a 15.6% decrease in transaction volume since 2024. The data, published by eTailPet, suggests that shops are now prioritizing in-store services and community events to bolster customer engagement.
Why it matters
Retailers are increasingly repositioning themselves as pet wellness partners to compete for pet parents who primarily prioritize price and ingredient quality. This shift aims to counter declining store visits by fostering stronger, essential personal connections with local shoppers.
A reported 90% of independent retailers note that e-commerce accounts for just 10% of total sales volume. Additionally, 75% of pet parents identify product price and ingredient quality as the primary drivers of their purchasing decisions.
The players
eTailPet
Headquartered in Provo, Utah, this company provides technology solutions for the independent pet retail industry.
The details
Stores are actively adopting new in-store services to drive foot traffic, with 60% of retailers reporting positive results from these additions. To maintain competitiveness, many businesses are also implementing AI tools for inventory forecasting and customer service management.
Timeline
2024 served as the baseline year for measuring transaction volume trends.
October 6, 2026, marks the official release of the State of Independent Pet Retail report.
Culture Shift
The move toward prioritizing in-store community events reflects a broader societal push for personalized, experiential retail in an increasingly digital-first economy. This transition signals a departure from legacy retail models as shops try to counter the convenience of online shopping giants.
Pet owners can expect to see more local shops introducing specialized wellness services and community events as retailers try to retain their customer base. These changes may lead to more curated in-store shopping experiences that go beyond standard product availability.
The takeaway
Retailers are finding that success in the current climate depends on shifting their identity from simple product sellers to active partners in animal wellness. By hosting events and offering hands-on services, stores aim to build the personal connections that online retailers cannot replicate.
Further reading
For more on evolving consumer habits in the industry, visit our Pets — General section.
More information
Access the Full pet retail industry report for complete findings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Herald Journal.
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