In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, Carly and Sherry sit down with retail expert Bob Negen to talk holiday season strategies that actually work. From training seasonal staff to creating signage and bundles that move product, this conversation is all about making the busiest time of year your most profitable.

Bob shares insights on leveraging nostalgia, building emotional connections with customers, and running innovative promotions that stand out. We also dig into how to keep staff morale high, use social media and email effectively, and create memorable shopping experiences that keep customers coming back.

Whether you’re looking for practical holiday hacks, future-focused trends like AI in retail, or just some extra inspiration to close the year strong, this episode has you covered.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Train and manage seasonal staff effectively.
• Use signage and bundling to drive bigger sales.
• Tap into nostalgia and emotion in holiday marketing.
• Keep staff morale high during peak season.
• Leverage social and email marketing to engage customers.
• Explore future trends like AI and relationship-driven retail.
• Create memorable shopping experiences to maximize ROI.

Find Bob at:
https://whizbangtraining.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobnegenretailexpert

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, Sherry and Carly sit down with Dan Jablons, founder of Retail Smart Guys, to uncover practical ways pet retailers can take control of their cash flow and inventory.

Dan shares how a solid purchasing plan, smart forecasting, and better customer engagement can transform your bottom line. He breaks down the common mistakes retailers make—and how to avoid them—while also offering quick, actionable steps to free up cash right away.

From the power of “open-to-buy” planning to creating meaningful in-store experiences, Dan helps independent pet retailers understand how to thrive in today’s competitive market.

Whether you’re struggling with overstock, looking for better buying strategies, or simply want to improve your store’s profitability, this episode is packed with insights you can put into practice immediately.

www.retailsmartguys.com
Email: [email protected]

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this episode of Pet Shop Girls, Sherry and Carly chat with the 2 Crazy Cat Ladies about the changing face of pet retail. Together, they dive into the unique challenges of the cat food industry and why cats are taking center stage in today’s marketplace.

From customer engagement strategies to innovative products that keep pet parents coming back, this conversation is full of practical tips for retailers looking to stay ahead of industry trends. Whether you run a shop, grooming salon, or pet service business, this episode will inspire you to give your cat section a serious makeover.

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

Sherry and Carly are busting some of the biggest myths in pet nutrition—the ones that not only confuse pet parents but can actually hurt your sales as an independent pet retailer. From the grain-free debate to raw food “scaries,” kibble misconceptions, supplements, and even prescription diets, the girls break it all down with honesty, humor, and plenty of real-world stories from behind the counter.

You’ll hear how to tackle these tough conversations in a way that builds trust, educates your customers, and keeps the vets in the loop—without stepping on toes. By the end, you’ll feel more confident helping pet parents cut through the noise and make choices that truly support their pets’ health.

Because at the end of the day, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s profit.

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

This week, Sherry and Carly spin a whimsical fairy tale to unpack the very real relationship between pet store owners and sales reps. 🐾✨ From miscommunications to magical partnerships, they dive into what makes this dynamic sometimes tricky—but oh-so-important—for success in the pet industry.

You’ll hear tips for reps on how to better serve their stores, advice for shop owners on how to collaborate (without pulling your hair out), and insights on how trust, respect, and a little empathy can turn business transactions into lasting partnerships.

It’s storytime with a purpose—because when store owners and reps work together, everybody wins (especially the pets!).

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed

In this special episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, Sherry and Carly take you straight to the buzzing show floor of SuperZoo, the pet industry’s biggest trade show. 🎤🐾

They sit down with a variety of brands and pet professionals to uncover fresh insights into where the industry is headed, how to position and sell unique products, and the biggest lessons learned from years of experience.

From innovative ideas to practical strategies, this episode is a highlight reel of the voices shaping the future of pet retail. Whether you’re a store owner, groomer, or supplier, you’ll walk away with actionable takeaways and a renewed sense of what’s possible in this fast-evolving industry.

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed

In this episode of The Pet Shop Girls podcast, Carly and Sherry dive into Neighborhood Pet Store Day — a growing nationwide event that gives independent retailers the spotlight. While big box stores chase Black Friday discounts, indie shops are proving they can win with community, creativity, and customer connection.

The Pet Shop Girls share real-world strategies to make the most of this special day, from planning irresistible promotions to collaborating with local businesses. They emphasize why experience matters more than markdowns, and how indie stores can turn Neighborhood Pet Store Day into their own version of Black Friday — with better results and happier customers.

The episode also marks the launch of their new Substack community, The Pet Shop Girls: Off the Record — where indie pet pros can access exclusive resources, industry playbooks, and candid behind-the-scenes insights.

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

In this episode, Carly and Sherry unpack what’s really shifting in the pet industry as we move through 2025.

They cover:

• How Gen Z is changing the way we sell (and what they expect in return)
• The latest trends in pet nutrition—and what’s actually moving off shelves
• Why supplements aren’t a bonus anymore—they’re becoming a baseline
• The luxury pet space is booming—are you cashing in?
• The cat is out of the bag: feline ownership is up, and they’re finally getting their retail moment
• Plus, the treat and toy slowdown: what’s happening and how to pivot

It's a no-fluff convo about where we're headed, what’s working, and how pet pros can stay ahead. Whether you're on the sales floor or behind the scenes, this episode will give you the insights (and edge) to thrive in the new landscape.

Retail is changing. Let’s evolve with it.

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

Season 2 is here...and we’re kicking it off live from the Artvark Pet Products booth at SUPERZOO! Join us as we spill on the hottest launches from the New Product Showcase, the coolest finds on the show floor, and the game-changing ideas you need to know. We’re also sharing our top travel hacks and insider tips for making the most out of any trade show. Buckle up....Season 2 starts with a bang!

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

What happens when good promos go bad? In this episode, we're sharing our biggest tips for running smooth and profitable sales and promotions at your store. We have learned some hard lessons and we hope by sharing them here, you can learn from us without having to make those same mistakes yourself!

Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!

Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirls

Connect with Carly (House of Paws):

https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutique

https://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutique

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutique

Connect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):

https://www.facebook.com/odysseypets

https://www.instagram.com/odysseypets

https://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallas

The Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.