Market Focus: San Diego

to sunny weather that I think people think they will melt!”

Oropeza shared, “The flow of customers and inflation have hit San Diego very hard. Gas, electricity and rent are huge factors.”

While most pet owners don’t stop buying good quality food, Oropeza said she’s noted a decrease in spending. “Last year we [at] retail experienced a

South Bark’s efforts to become one with their community—something many pet retailers in the San Diego area strive to do.

“We offer great products, service and customer service,” Vella said. “I am also not afraid to pivot and try new services and products. I have been open 22 years and am proud of what we do for the San Diego pet community. Our clients’ pets are their children. They come to South Bark to be a part of a community. We have some clients and their companions that visit us every day.”

“Building community and love for each of our customers’ pets. Think ahead on what to bring for each client. We are their family. Our shop is an extension of their house and they found in us a family friend. We see their kids grow, get married, people dying, sick, dogs passing, etc. We are always there. We cry with them, and we laugh. Sometimes we are afraid of the market swings and the bad or good days. That is what set us apart. We provide services that help them solve a lot of the simple problems they have with their pets. Finally, we nurture their tummies and their souls. It is the best market. I have learned and educated myself to bring the best to the best. Makes us competitive, knowledgeable and conscious of our health and earth. Makes us better people and pet owners.”

Even in the busy city scape of downtown San Diego, parks are ample, according to Lisa Vella, Co-owner of South Bark Dog Wash located in the South Park neighborhood east of Balboa Park. “Dog parks are everywhere,” she said. “The great weather gets people and their pets outside more. A lot of companies allow staff to bring their dogs.”

With technology, said Oropeza, “San Diego has a highly educated and tech-savvy population, which means that many pet owners in the area are likely to be interested in using technology to manage their pets’ needs. This can include online ordering and scheduling, as well as mobile apps that allow pet owners to track their pets’ activity levels and health. Pet services providers and retailers that offer these types of services may have a competitive advantage in the San Diego market,” she said.

Operating in such a dynamic, in-demand area also brings about its share of challenges—sometimes because of the weather. “If the weather is not sunny and instead raining, people do not go out as much,” said Vella. “We are so used

— Cosette Oropeza, Pet Luv Mart

decrease in pet supplies [demand],” she said. “Our food is still in demand, we are essential! They also seek the best quality, so they are on the look [out] for the next trend: clean, sustainable, probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins and high levels of protein, they look for human-grade now.”

National City’s proximity to San Diego helps draw a fair share of tourists to Pet Luv Mart, and their preferences for pet food is noteworthy.

“Some visitors are not used to our brands and our natural treats,” Oropeza said. “Although we have visitors from all over the world, Canada and Europe usually look for similar food, although they prefer raw food. I love having small bags and travel-on-the-go bowls. Everything you need to travel abroad.”

For Vella, “South Bark is in a neighborhood,” she said. “We reach out to vacation rentals and long term rentals. We have many ‘vacation regulars.’ We also have a South Park Business Group that does marketing for all the businesses in the neighborhood.”

Locals and visitors respond well to

Similarly, Oropeza said top-notch customer service with a foundational objective of building community is what has helped Pet Luv Mart thrive.

“Building community and love for each of our customers’ pets,” she said. “Think ahead on what to bring for each client. We are their family. Our shop is an extension of their house and they found in us a family friend. We see their kids grow, get married, people dying, sick, dogs passing, etc. We are always there. We cry with them, and we laugh. Sometimes we are afraid of the market swings and the bad or good days. That is what set us apart. We provide services that help them solve a lot of the simple problems they have with their pets. Finally, we nurture their tummies and their souls.”

Operating in the San Diego metro area has also helped Oropeza become a better expert at helping her customers.

“It is the best market,” she said. “I have learned and educated myself to bring the best to the best. Makes us competitive, knowledgeable and conscious of our health and earth. Makes us better people and pet owners.”