Pet News

Rithum recently unveiled its 2026 Commerce Readiness Index during the Rithum LIVE summit in New York City. This comprehensive report, drawing insights from 200 retail and brand executives across the U.S. and U.K., delves into the preparedness of the commerce industry for the year 2026, scrutinizing critical areas such as the integration of artificial intelligence, strategies for mitigating tariff impacts, and addressing disjointed operational processes. Suzin Wold, CMO at Rithum, underscored the persistent volatility in the commercial landscape, acknowledging that many external forces like tariffs and inflation remain beyond direct control. She emphasized that the pivotal aspect lies in the industry's capacity to adapt swiftly and effectively, positioning the report as a vital guide for executives navigating these complexities.

The index meticulously identifies five primary hurdles that commerce leaders anticipate for 2026. A significant finding reveals that nearly 75% of executives often base their strategic decisions on outdated, inconsistent, or incomplete data, highlighting a major informational gap. Furthermore, approximately half of these leaders still rely on traditional spreadsheets and manual operations, indicating a slower transition to modernized systems. The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence poses another challenge, with almost three out of four leaders expressing difficulty in keeping pace with its adoption. Economic and governmental policies also exert considerable influence, as 91% of retail executives note that government policy heavily sways pricing strategies, while 92% of brands confront product complexity as a barrier to cost control, forcing difficult choices regarding pricing, product variety, and promotional activities. Lastly, the report points out dynamic shifts in marketing, with over 90% of commerce leaders having adjusted their marketing mix in the past year. Retailers grapple with revenue losses before checkout due to issues such as broken links, outdated product information, and irrelevant advertisements, whereas brands face post-sale revenue drains from returns, inefficiencies in fulfillment, and customer service challenges.

In an era marked by constant change, the commerce sector's resilience is tested by a multitude of evolving factors. The insights from Rithum's 2026 Commerce Readiness Index provide a crucial foundation for businesses to not only understand the current challenges but also to proactively formulate adaptive strategies. By embracing innovation, refining data-driven decision-making, and streamlining operational inefficiencies, companies can transform potential obstacles into opportunities for growth and sustained success. This forward-thinking approach will empower leaders to not merely react to market shifts but to actively shape a more robust and responsive commercial future, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and strategic advantage.

A recent comprehensive study by GlobalPETS, in partnership with PETS International and Yummypets, offers deep insights into the toy preferences of pets and the purchasing decisions of their owners across six countries. The research highlights a clear trend: pets, particularly dogs and cats, are drawn to straightforward, engaging playthings. Meanwhile, their human companions prioritize a balance of quality, longevity, and cost when selecting these items. The findings also shed light on the most popular retail channels and the various factors that influence owners' final choices.

Global Insights into Pet Toy Preferences and Owner Purchasing Behavior

A recent extensive study, spearheaded by GlobalPETS and conducted in collaboration with PETS International and Yummypets, has unveiled fascinating insights into the world of pet toys. This research, drawing data from Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States, meticulously details what toys pets love and the reasons behind owners' purchasing choices.

For our canine companions, simplicity reigns supreme. The survey reveals that a remarkable 70% of dog owners across the surveyed nations identify chew toys as their pets' top choice. Close behind are balls, favored by 65% of dogs, followed by squeaky toys (60%), plush toys (58%), and tug toys (50%). More advanced or technologically sophisticated options, such as treat-dispensing toys (26%), training aids (18%), interactive puzzles (17%), or Frisbees (12%), appear to be less popular among dogs.

Feline friends, on the other hand, are captivated by toys that ignite their natural hunting, scratching, and chasing instincts. Teasing wands are a favorite for 66% of cats, with scratching posts appealing to 65%, and balls engaging 59%.

When it comes to where owners acquire these playthings, specialty pet stores lead the pack, attracting 69% of buyers. This preference is largely attributed to the wide selection and specialized knowledge these stores offer. Online retailers, encompassing both pet-specific platforms and general e-commerce sites, also prove highly popular, with 62% of owners utilizing them. Geographic variations exist, with discount stores like Walmart and Target being significantly more prevalent in North America (e.g., 72% in the US) compared to Europe or South America (e.g., 15% in Brazil). Supermarkets see greater popularity in European countries, while veterinary clinics, though globally the least common channel, hold more relevance in Latin America than in North America or Europe.

The motivations behind purchases are also diverse. Across all regions, safety (71%) and durability (70%) are paramount. However, price (67%) remains a crucial determinant, particularly in competitive markets such as the US and Canada. The suitability of a toy for solo play influences nearly half of all buyers (47%), and design is a consideration for 31%, primarily among US, UK, and Canadian owners. Factors like origin, brand, and packaging hold minimal sway, each influencing less than 10% of decisions. Product reviews emerge as the most significant external influence, shaping the decisions of 57% of owners. Recommendations from friends or family, alongside packaging and design, each sway 34% of buyers. Social media and veterinary advice each impact 25% of purchases, while online advertisements (18%), store staff recommendations (16%), and pet influencers/celebrities (7%) have less overall influence.

This study underscores the importance of understanding both pet preferences and owner priorities in the rapidly evolving pet industry. The findings offer valuable insights for manufacturers and retailers aiming to cater more effectively to the diverse needs and desires of pet owners worldwide, highlighting the enduring appeal of simple, safe, and durable toys, balanced with competitive pricing and reliable product information.