This text is taken from Courrier de l’ économique. Click here to subscribe.
At the beginning of December, the Heidi&cie boutique in Longueuil is full of items that can serve as gifts for dogs and cats: stuffed animals in the shape of gingerbread or reindeer, gnawing bones in the shape of candy canes, eggnog …At the checkout, a lady buys a large purple toy for her dog. “It’s going to go in his Christmas stocking,” she says.
Despite inflation, many pet owners don’t hesitate to spoil their pooch or kitty for Christmas, as well as other special events such as their birthday. Several small Quebec businesses are also benefiting from it.
“At Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Easter or their birthday, many people are looking for a small gift for their animals,” reports Karine Riopel, manager at Todd&Paul. There are many people for whom it is truly like their children. There are even “grandparents” who give their “grandchildren” dogs gifts when they come to visit their children. »
A Trois-Rivières company making dog biscuits made from fruits, vegetables and cereals, Todd&Paul therefore develops products for various times of the year. They were visiting the German Christmas Market in Quebec to promote their holiday flavors in red and green colors – thanks to beets and spinach -, Christmas logs and carob and peanut cookies to imitate the Ferrero style Rock. Some gift boxes are already wrapped and can be put directly under the tree.
“Our Advent calendars work really well,” notes Ms. Riopel.
Halloween cookies take on orange and black hues thanks to squash, carrots, turmeric, black rice, black olives and activated charcoal. The idea is also that they are good for the health of the animal.
Despite stagnant sales due to the economic context, Todd&Paul, a family business founded by Ms. Riopel’s mother in honor of her children’s dogs, is thinking big.
“We only sell in Quebec and we are far from having covered everything. In 2024, we want to develop Ontario and British Columbia; It’s a huge market to be had. We continue to work on new products, we released a birthday cake mix. »
Horse biscuits will soon be on sale. The team is also trying to find a vegetarian formula that works for cats.
A member of the family
Alexandre Hébert also visited as an exhibitor at the Christmas market in the Old Capital. There he sold leashes, collars and harnesses for cats and dogs from his company Tella&Stella. Dogs, in particular, love to be given gifts.
“When they get a leash, they think they’re going for a walk!” Also, they are happy because they feel that we are happy to give it to them,” notes the entrepreneur.
High-end products for animals are a good source, believes Mr. Hébert.
“People’s perception of their animals is changing. “It’s a baby, a full member of the family,” he explains.
Massage and quality time
For those who prefer to give activities rather than items as gifts, there are options as well. At the Canine Hydromassage Center in Chambly, Véronique Lang offers massages, swimming in a swimming pool and rental of stimulation games. Ms. Lang touts her techniques for relieving various health problems like arthritis and anxiety, or just for relaxation.
“Some come to the dog party, they pay them a great time spending time together,” reports Ms. Lang, a canine hydromassage practitioner.
Gift vouchers are also popular. “It’s nice to receive a gift for your dog,” she says. She also offers, in her store, three sizes of Christmas stockings with natural products, which are also popular.
“We’re lucky, a lot of people still spend a lot on their dog,” she says. With the rising cost of living, however, Ms. Lang is starting to see a gap between different types of customers. “There are some who wait a little longer before coming, who save money, while for others, sky is the limit. »
And you, what is your limit when it comes to pampering your pet?
This text is taken from Courrier de l’ économique.