"Over the last four or five years, there has been a clear upswing in trade that starts around Black Week and continues until Christmas," says Martin Magnusson, marketing manager at Zoo.se.
During Black Week, sales in recent years have been three times as high as an average week, and in physical stores, sales increase by 50 percent in the weeks before Christmas.
He also sees that buying patterns have changed.
People have become more quality conscious and are buying things that are really good, like a dog bed of a slightly higher quality.
Candy popular
This is confirmed by Alexander Källman, who is a shop assistant in one of the chain's stores. When you buy something for your own animal, it is often something it needs – like a new house for the rabbit or guinea pig that has chewed its own.
Candy is a popular gift for dogs, and puzzles and activity toys where they get to use their brains, he says.
Cats are more difficult, but even for them there is a wide range of options.
They are pickier than other animals, but catnip always works, he says, showing little hedgehogs and owls with wintry scarves and glittery reindeer antlers on their heads.
Hats and bows
Nääs Emelie Forslund is a store manager in one of Arken Zoo's stores. Where he has filled up with Christmas gifts, but also hats and bows for Christmas pets. The demand is great.
Going out and buying an animal treat is a given, we really notice that. In the last few days before Christmas, everything is sold out for people to buy candy or a toy.
And if Stampe and Misse are going to have their own Advent calendars, they need to be out in good time, she says.
It has really exploded. They are so popular that you have to be quick to get your hands on one.
Fun for the animal:
Brain teasers like puzzles, activity tiles, and activity balls work for most animals. Make sure they are made of good materials so they don't break or contain hazardous substances.
Water fountain for cats, cats enjoy drinking running water.
Cat trees and scratching posts
Houses and tunnels for small animals
Good for the animal:
Chewing bones for dogs. Buy something that is healthy and low in calories and that meets approved EU standards.
High-fiber treats without dyes or sugar for small animals
Safety and security:
Catnip makes the cat feel calm
Reflective strips and a collar that glows so that the dog is visible in the dark.
GPS or tracking transmitters for collars and harnesses so you know where the cat is
First aid kit
Car cages and approved belts allow animals to travel safely in the car.
Health check at the vet
Insurance
Other good things:
Basket or blanket
Food and water bowls
Litter box that keeps itself clean
Running wheels of the right size so that the animals do not get back problems
Perch that is good for the bird's feet
Good lamp for the terrarium
Source: Marlene Areskog, Evidensia and Jennica Eibladh, Animallogos
