Bob Vetere Quotations

More people are discovering the many therapeutic health benefits associated with aquarium fish, ... An increasing number of offices, classrooms and homes are being equipped with aquariums, as additional studies show watching fish contributes to stress and anxiety reduction, relaxation and even leads to enhanced creativity and learning environments.

Maybe 60 to 70 percent of them are new or start-up companies. These numbers continue to grow.

Pets are an emotional issue, and retailers have a level of communication with the key people who will make noise about these topics.

Based on year-end 2005 and early 2006 activity, we can anticipate almost the same growth this year.

It is interesting to note that food continues to show growth not only in the expected high-end areas with vitamin fortified formulas, gourmet lines and natural/organic food but with the value-priced portion of the segment as well.

We've come a long way in terms of how we view and treat our pets. And, fortunately for pets and people, there is still plenty of opportunity for healthy growth.

Anything that's a trend in human foods, within four to six months it will be a trend in pet food, too.

As a human, to just buy him a dirty old tennis ball is just not enough, even though he doesn't care. I feel better because I've given him something more than just a tennis ball.

Baby boomers are turning to pets because it fills the empty house, as kids have gone off to college. Young professionals who aren't starting families right away are still looking for some kind of companionship.

They are the first line of contact with the consumer and with their state and local legislators.

It's a healthy segment, no question about it. These are folks with a little more disposable income and they are looking to make sure their pets are well taken care of.

Consumer demand for pet products and services is expanding into almost every corner of what has typically been reserved for human consumption.

It's nice to have a pet that offers unconditional love, someone who doesn't talk back. I love cats, but cats take you on their terms. My golden retriever could have a broken leg, and his teeth could be falling out, but if I walk in the door, he'll wag his tail until it hurts.

The boomers' kids have gone off to college, and they are looking for somebody to fill the void in the house, ... It's also the young professionals who are putting off having families, and are looking for companionship.

Not only are boutiques surviving, they are running with success. About 70 percent of them are start-up companies. Entrepreneurs who are savvy enough to eye the market and assess their community's demo are very successful.

In fact, there's a working cell phone that you can fasten onto your dog's collar and call him anytime that you want. It acts as a little speaker phone.

The house is suddenly quiet and because the pet is replacing the children, you tend to humanize them a little bit. You also want to reward your pet more in terms that make you feel good. It's no longer just enough to find a couple of tennis balls and say, 'You've been a good dog today.

you don't have to send a dog to college. You could buy him a $10,000 doghouse and still come out ahead.