Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws)

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Episode 102: Distribution Playbook: Secrets for Retailers and Brands

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.

1 day ago

40 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, we sit down with Clayton Payne — the Pet Business Disruptor himself — to dig into the side of the industry that doesn’t always get enough airtime: distribution. With nearly 20 years of experience, Clayton brings a no-fluff perspective on what it really takes for retailers, brands, and distributors to succeed together.

We get real about the challenges smaller brands face getting on shelves, why understanding consumer mindsets is the starting line for success, and how retailers can sharpen their negotiation tactics without losing relationships. We also dive into evolving market trends (spoiler: cats are stealing the spotlight) and the importance of authenticity in every corner of this business.

This conversation is loaded with practical advice — whether you’re a retailer looking to gain an edge, a brand trying to break into distribution, or just curious about how the pet industry ecosystem really works.

✨ Key Takeaways

Understanding consumer mindsets is non-negotiable for distribution success.
Retailers shouldn’t chase trends — they should lead them.
Authenticity builds customer trust that lasts.
Smaller brands face steep challenges with pricing and distribution access.
Distributors must stress test pricing models for viability.
Strong communication and relationship-building matter more than one-off deals.
Brands need a clear marketing pipeline to get into — and stay in — distribution.
Premium cat products are becoming a major growth category.
Negotiation works best as a collaboration, not a battle.
Healthy partnerships between retailers, brands, and distributors fuel mutual success.

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Episode 101: Holiday Hoopla with Sherry & Carly: Pause, Breathe, Repeat

1 week ago

48 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

The holidays are here, and let’s be honest—it’s a lot. In this episode, Sherry and Carly get real about the holiday hustle: the juggling act of running a business, being present for family, and not losing your mind in the process.

We’re talking boundaries (yes, you can say no), burnout (it’s real), and why you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking care of you. Plus, how movement, good food, and strong community can be your secret weapons this season.

This one's like a warm hug and a pep talk, wrapped up in tinsel. Tune in, take a breath, and remember—you’re not alone.

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Episode 100 - Beyond the Sale: Rodney Habib on Turning Nutrition Into Your Indie Advantage

2 weeks ago

48 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, we’re joined by Rodney Habib — two-time New York Times bestselling author and one of the most trusted voices in pet nutrition today. We dive into the benefits of minimally processed foods, the challenges of being an indie retailer, and why community support is so essential for success in the pet industry.

Rodney also shares how storytelling can be a powerful tool for education, why cultural practices shape pet health around the world, and what every pet pro should know about the evolving pet food landscape.

Learn all about Rodney here!!
Find him at planetpaws.ca

✨ Key Takeaways

Support your local community and they’ll support you back.
Variation in pet diets is key to a healthy microbiome.
Minimally processed foods make a big impact on pet health.
Storytelling is a powerful education tool.
Indie retailers thrive when they lead with education and collaboration.

👉 Find the Pet Shop Girls Podcast wherever you love listening to podcasts, or hit the link in our bio to tune in now!

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Episode 99 - The 99 Effect: Indie Retail Psychology Hacks You Can Use Today

3 weeks ago

1 hour 31 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

In this episode, Carly and Sherry celebrate 99 episodes by unpacking retail psychology and how small pricing details make a big difference. They break down the power of the 99 effect, charm pricing, and bundling, plus how ambiance — lighting, scent, and music — can instantly influence how customers feel and buy.

Takeaways:

Prices ending in 9 can boost sales by up to 20%.
Bundling increases perceived value.
Lighting, scent, and music shape buying behavior.
“Free” offers outperform discounts.
Scarcity and color psychology drive urgency.

Retail is both an art and a science — and mastering these small details can create big results.

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Episode 98 - Last Minute Holiday Hacks with Bob Negen

4 weeks ago

54 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

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

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Episode 97 - Cash Flow Secrets Made Easy with Dan Jablons

1 month ago

1 hour 20 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

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: dan@retailsmartguys.com

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Episode 96 - Cat Section Makeover with the Two Crazy Cat Ladies

1 month ago

54 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

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.

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Episode 95 - The Nutrition Myths Killing Your Sales

1 month ago

1 hour 1 minute

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

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.

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Episode 94 - Once Upon a Time: The Tail of Two Pet Pros

1 month ago

49 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

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!).

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Episode 93 - Secrets from SUPERZOO 2025

2 months ago

45 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

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.

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Episode 92 - Neighborhood Pet Store Day: How Indies Are Beating Black Friday

2 months ago

32 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

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.

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Episode 91 - Paws, Priorities, and Pet Parents: Where the Pet Industry Is Headed in 2025

2 months ago

42 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

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.

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Episode 90 - Live from SUPERZOO

2 months ago

52 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

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!

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Episode 89 - When Good Promos Go Bad

3 months ago

44 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

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!

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Episode 88 - Level Up Your Advertising Game

3 months ago

38 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

Ready to level up your advertising and promotions? This week, the Pet Shop Girls are sharing their real-world experiences - both successes and failures - when it comes to advertising tactics (including TV commercials, social media, SEO, and more). Listen in for actionable advice on affordable, effective ways to attract new customers and keep your business top-of-mind, even during slow periods.

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Episode 87 - SUPERZOO Survival Guide

3 months ago

32 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

It's almost time for SUPERZOO, and we want to help you be prepared to make the most out of this incredible show. This week, we are sharing all kinds of tips including where to stay, using the app, navigating all the vendors without getting overwhelmed, what to pack and what to wear, and so much more.

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Episode 86 - 30 Events in 30 Minutes

3 months ago

38 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

🎉🐾 Celebrate with us as we hit a milestone! 🐾🎉

They're going big with "30 Events in 30 Minutes" — packed with creative and inspiring event ideas for every Pet Pro. From fun community gatherings to unique in-store promotions, they've got something for everyone. And because they love to overdeliver, they've thrown in a few extra ideas just for you! Yes, they might have run a tad over 30 minutes, but trust us, every minute is pure gold!

Don’t miss out on this treasure trove of ideas. Tune in and start planning your next amazing event!

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Episode 85 - Unfriendly CX - If Your Policies Are Unfriendly, You're Losing Customers

4 months ago

50 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

This week, we're discussing the importance of having customer-friendly policies. From our own personal experiences with unfriendly policies like credit card surcharges, restrictive returns, and hidden fees, to the value of transparent communication, flexible payment options, and an overall positive shopping experience to build customer loyalty, we hope this episode encourages you to eliminate any unfriendly policies and focus on creating a welcoming environment for your customers.

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Episode 84 - Addressing Performance - Richard Phillips

4 months ago

33 minutes

Pet Shop Girls with Sherry (Odyssey Pets) and Carly (House of Paws) - A Podcast for Independent Pet Pros

Over the next few weeks, we are excited to introduce our first mini-series of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, all about Legendary Leadership. In this first episode of the Legendary Leadership Series, Richard Phillips joins us to talk about performance reviews and evaluations, leadership styles, and employee engagement.

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