Beauty X Pets
A compelling choice offered to customers

 

Today, pets are no longer seen as mere companions but as family members who share daily life and emotional bonds. In the United States, this culture is deeply rooted, with pet-related products and services spanning industries from furniture and cars to fashion. In effect, pet-focused lifestyles have become a significant market. About 70% of American households own at least one pet, with annual spending ranging from $500 to $1,999. This indicates that many beauty supply shoppers either own pets themselves or participate in pet culture with friends and family. This article explores pet item ideas worth testing in-store.

 

Pet items in beauty supply? More attractive than expected!

Convenience of one-stop shopping

Customers value efficiency. Being able to pick up pet supplies while shopping for beauty products saves a trip to a pet store and boosts retailer sales. For time-conscious shoppers, this convenience is a powerful incentive.

Impulse-friendly categories

Low-cost pet accessories and small items sell quickly with minimal hesitation. Placing them near checkout or exits encourages add-on purchases and directly boosts sales. U.S. retail data shows that such impulse buys are 20–30% higher than average for small daily goods and cute accessories.

Repeat demand builds return visits

Consumables like treats, shampoos, pads, and waste bags require regular restocking. Shoppers who purchase them once are more likely to return, turning pet products into a repeat-visit driver rather than a one-time sale. Even a small dedicated corner can create a sense of a distinctive store experience.

Low risk, high potential

Adding pet items requires minimal upfront investment. Start with a small display, track sales, and expand only the top performers. Initial costs are modest, yet results can exceed expectations.

 

Recommended items for beauty supply

Beauty supply stores have a clear identity rooted in beauty. For this reason, introducing pet categories works best when starting with items that naturally connect to care and styling. Pet brushes, shampoos, and grooming accessories fit well, as customers are already familiar with “maintenance and styling.” In contrast, food and feeding products are often tied to strong brand loyalty, making customer conversion more challenging. The recommended approach is to begin with beauty-related pet products that align with the store’s identity, then expand gradually based on customer response and sales data.

 

Seasonal pieces and costumes that create lasting memories

• • Christmas/holiday: Santa hats, reindeer ears, ornament-style decorative bands
  • Costumes for memorable moments

      → A trigger for impulse-buying pet accessories during beauty shopping for special occasions

 

 “You and Me Together” couple items

 

• • Hairband/ribbon sets: matching designs for pets and owners
  • Mini T-shirt packages: for both pet and owner

      → A family marketing angle for beauty supply stores

 

Irresistible cuteness: small accessories and toys

• • Affordable $5–10 toys, mini ribbons, bells, scarves
  • Items with playful patterns like checks, glitter, metallics

       → Encourage impulse purchases near the counter or checkout area

 

Everyday essentials with steady demand

 

 

• • Daily care: pet brushes, shampoos, tear-stain removers
  • Consumables: training pads, wipes, portable pouches

      → Encourage repeat visits and increase store turnover

 

 

Sephora·Ulta: Pet Category Expansion Cases

 

Sephora is a leading example of extending beauty into the pet category. OUAI’s pet shampoo gained attention by seamlessly linking its luxury haircare image to pet grooming, offering premium-minded consumers a new option under the concept of “extending beauty experiences from people to pets.”

Ulta is also expanding into pet products online, with a dedicated section featuring shampoos, conditioners, sprays, and even Dolce & Gabbana fragrances for dogs. This approach demonstrates how beauty retailers leverage digital channels to test the pet market, providing customers with novelty and convenience while creating new growth opportunities for brands.