For some people in the gift and homewares industry, their kids are the inspiration for new product ranges or business launches.
However, for Lisa Pollock it was her furry four legged friend that inspired the design of a new pet collection.
“I decided to add a pet range after we welcomed a new addition to our family… my much-loved French Bulldog called Obi,” she enthuses. “He is a permanent addition to the office and comes to work with me every day.
“After taking him for walks at the beach I discovered the communal drinking troughs for dogs at the park were full of harmful bacteria. This was when I decided to launch a compact travel bowl range with some great designs and matching shopping bags.”
Pet accessories have become increasingly popular as pets become a part of our families and for some, become their fur babies.
“Customers want to indulge their pooches with the growing trends―whether it be shopping bags, dog bowls or dog fashion apparel,” she adds.
The Dogs on the Run collection includes a collapsible silicone water bowl and shopping bag. The bowl is BPA free and can even go in the dishwasher. Each bowl comes on a hang sell card complete with a metal clip so it can be easily attached to the dog’s leash.
The popular shopping bag features the dog breed and Lisa Pollock’s original green leaf artwork on the front with a linen look backing and shoulder straps. The bag measures 45x45cm with a 10cm gusset so big enough to be practical without compromising on fashion. Both these products are perfect for the market of reuseable goods.
“My signature leaf design features on the shopping bag and dog bowl packaging. With tropical leaves being so on trend I really wanted to combine them with the dog breeds to freshen up and add a modern look to the pet category. And of course, my dog Obi features on the header card of the spinner as he was my inspiration for the range.
“I love working with colour and am known for my bold unique designs,” she continues. “The pet category is an extension of homewares and gifts so it fits in perfectly as an addition to my portfolio of ranges.”
The collection made its debut at the recent Sydney gift fair to show it off to existing customers but also to tap into new markets.
“Retailers have commented that pet accessories are fast becoming another category of their business. Australians are crazy for designer dog breeds and we have covered off 18 of the most popular ones along with generic ‘Rescue Dog’, ‘Fur Baby’ and ‘Bitsa’.
“Our range has a wide appeal in terms of being unisex and ageless. The spinner is so fresh in design and colour, we are told it’s such a refreshing new twist for the pet market. We have had interest from stores ranging from newsagents, card and gift stores to pet supply chains and the RSPCA.
“Retailers are further diversifying their ranges and we realise there is a growing need to keep new ideas coming regularly. We think this one has hit that mark and the response has been positive,” Pollock concludes.
Spinners are due to hit the stores end of April.
By Marion Gerritsen
