(Published in July 2006)
Fully-Accessorized Fido
Find out which styles and colors have boutiques waggin' their tails this fall
By Scott and Ann Springer
Pink is still top dog in dog accessories, but look out—other colors are making a splash this fall.
"No matter what's happening in the women's fashion industry, we always sell pink and lots of it in every shade: hot pink, light pink, fuchsia, and magenta," says Jane Knittle, the president of A Pet's World in Manchester Center, Vt.
Pink is still hot, but the fall lineup features pink muted and blended with other colors such as brown and aqua.
"We added some neutrals and browns in keeping with what's happening in women's fashions," Knittle says.
Kristine Fellows agrees that muted pink will continue to be prevalent in the latter half of the year. "People are putting it with brown or matching it with metallic to try to tone it down," says Fellows, the designer for Lulu Jane Elegant Pet Products in Orrville, Ohio.
Must-Haves This Fall
Black and white with highlights of other colors have also come back into vogue, Fellows says. "Eggplant and green—the Bohemian colors—are still influencing things, too," Fellows adds.
Hats are always in style for dogs because they add style without much fuss. Some of the most fun designs on the market include Carmen Miranda wannabes with fake fruit and Vegas showgirl hat look-alikes topped with brightly colored feather plumes.
Eyewear, such as goggles and sunglasses with rhinestone hearts or paw prints, will continue to soar after the days of summer are over, says Roni Di Lullo, who oversees new product development at Goggles in Diamond Springs, Calif.
"New colors like dark blues and deep browns are going to be very popular," Di Lullo says.
Boutique-style accessories deck out dogs from head to toe these days. Fashionable booties allow a pooch to step out in style when the weather isn't too delightful. Doggy Style Designs, a Pawtucket, R.I.-based manufacturer, has updated its hiking boots from last year to make faux leather high-tops.
One trend you'll want to take advantage of in the third quarter this year is themed bows. Many owners like their pups to coordinate with the holidays.
Professional- and show-grade bows are also big sellers, even for owners who don't show their pets. "We are continuing to expand our starched bow collection," Knittle says.
Phasing Out
The pampered princess look is beginning to phase out as pet owners seek out more function and less fluff.
"There's a move away from super princessy stuff to a more down-to-earth dog," says Stacie Parillo, the sales manager for Doggy Styles Designs.
However, products that feature all function and no fashion won't appear in this fall's lineup. "Now people want something that is cute as well as functional," Di Lullo says.
Knittle has even scaled down the bling in her bows and barrettes. "We know we still need a touch of it for our customers," Knittle says.
However, not everyone agrees that bling is on the out. According to Parillo, "Bling is still king for pets." She does agree, however, that "tiaras are a little played out."
Increasing Sales
Dog accessories continue to soar in popularity and profitability as small dog ownership accelerates, Knittle says. "The dog itself is an accessory," Knittle says.
Dress up your in-store pups with accessories so customers will believe that a dog can wander around happily with designer shoes on and not take them off and rip them to shreds, Parillo recommends.
Fashion shows are a great way to increase sales of these non-essential spoilages. "A fashion show can demonstrate to customers how wonderful a showgirl hat will look on a dog," Parillo says. "Before you know it, everyone has to have one."
Typically, these products make easy add-ons to any sale, Knittle says.
Be sure shoppers can access these products so they can get a feel for them. Leaving boutique items out for customers to peruse is "fun for people, and they immediately go to them and pick them up and react positively to them," Parillo says.
Displaying Dog Accessories
Boutique owners can increase profit margins through more effective displays and merchandising.
"Mannequins are a wonderful way to help a customer visualize how the accessories will look on their own dog," Parillo says.
Coordinate bows, barrettes, and hats with matching apparel such as sweaters, Knittle recommends. Some manufacturers even have complete product lines with coordinated bedding, collars and leashes, and carriers that may be displayed with accessories.
Display small accessories in a nice bowl or basket close to the register. Place fancier accessories behind a glass case, or display them in shadow boxes or frames.
Barrettes and bows can be clipped to a ribbon as a dressed-up clip-strip or hung on memo boards, Knittle suggests.
Partner with your groomer, or one in the area, and send freshly groomed pooches home with a special bow. "Everybody likes an unexpected gift," Knittle says.
Polish can be merchandised with other high-end grooming products to be used at home, or added to a grooming session to introduce the products. "They make great stocking stuffers during the holidays, too," Fellows adds.
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