For pet owners, there’s no doubt about it - your pet is part of your family. As a nation we love our animals, and the pet product market certainly reflects this, according to research by Mintel, the pet pound is expected to reach £2.1 billion by 2023.
It’s a sad fact that, although man’s best friend, it’s highly likely that the majority of pet owners will outlive their pets, leaving pet owners looking for ways to commemorate the lives of their pets.
Google trends shows an increase in searches for dog memorials over the last two years suggesting a growing trend in pet memorials. Bira members should make the most of this increased consumer demand by selling products in their shops. Bira Direct supplier the House Name Plate Company incorporates the brand Memorials For Your Pet. They have established for over 30 years and work from two craft factories in North Wales, manufacturing all the goods they sell. They have seen a significant growth in sales over the last four months and have expanded their work force. The House Name Plate Company create an ever lasting memory where they can laser engrave a pet photo onto the memorial, which is an unique and distinctive product offer.
Chris Jones Managing Director of the House Name Plate Company, an animal lover himself, with three dogs, a cat and chicken (all rescues) states;
"I love and care for animals and have been a rescuer of horses, dogs, cats and chickens for 30 years, and I remember them all and remember all their names. At the top of my garden is a special place within a wooded area with benches where I have buried many of them, all have a memorial, either shared or individual, all of them have a tree or shrub.
Many people need counselling when they lose their pet. Personally I believe a pet memorial is the best way to remember a loved one lost. Rituals are important in the grieving process. Memorials are part of the ritual of death and often therapeutic. A reminder the life and reassurance to the one lost that they are not forgotten. For some the reminder that a memorial brings will be too much. Every grief is different."
The House Name Plate Company is a corporate partner to Chester Zoo where they sponsor an elephant and also to Raystede’s centre for animal welfare where they have donated a paddling pool for the dogs, a chicken shed and a monthly financial donation. They’ve also donated beds and bowls to Manchester Dog’s Home.
If you’re already a Bira member you can order pet memorials from the House Name Plate Company taking advantage of preferential terms available to you through Bira Direct as well as full support, training, POS and easy to use order forms, click on the button below to find out more.
If you’re not yet a Bira member but want to take advantage of the preferential terms and supplier offers, join today for just £149+VAT. Click below, email membership@bira.co.uk or call 0800 028 0245.
Supporting independent pet retailers
Bira are proud to have been supporting independent pet retailers in the UK since 2003. Click below to find out more about our work with pet retailers and how you can access new pet products for your business, at preferential terms, with our Bira Direct buying group.