Four-Legged Friends
In 2007, Americans spent $41.2 billion on their pets, an increase of 142% from the $17 billion spent in 1994.(1) And while consumers continue to feel the pressure of a challenging economy, some retail-industry experts tout the pet market as being recession-proof,(2)with the greatest opportunity lying in DINK (dual-income, no kids) and empty-nest pet homes. For these pet owners, cats and dogs hold a more humanized role than pets in other homes —and thus also hold a greater influence on their owners' spending. This week's MONITOR Minute takes a look at pet owners who...