Pet businesses take bite out of pandemic | Local News
CONWAY — It’s estimated that the U.S. pet industry grew from $97.5 billion in 2019 to $99 billion in 2020, and the pandemic obviously played a big role in that more people were adopting pets.
That’s an astounding $1.5 billion growth in one year.
It was a year that saw pet owners splurging on everything from pet food and treats to pet sitters, toys and travel, according to PetPedia.
That trend included Conway as well.
“I think with people not traveling far away and coming here regionally, they are bringing their pets with them,” said Steve Iannuzzi, owner of Percy Paws LLC, a shop selling pet accessories and gifts in Settlers Green, the North Conway outlet mall.
Iannuzzi, who opened the shop three years ago, said because he doesn’t sell pet food, the business was deemed…