Millions of people– 65.1 million households in America alone– own dogs. And many dog owners consider their pets an important part of the family, including them in holiday traditions, family photos, and even weddings. Pet clothing is nearly a $6 billion industry, and encompasses everything from cute Halloween costumes to winter gear for working dogs.
What’s more, it’s a growth industry, so now is a great time to get involved! But before you go barking up the wrong tree, there are some important things you need to know about selling dog clothes. Shopify is an ideal platform, thanks to its many integrations and tools for selling human clothes; you just need to understand how to leverage these for dogs!
Dog Sizing: The Key To Selling Dog Clothes on Shopify
The first thing you need to know about dog sizing is that there are no standard sizes for dogs. The human clothing industry barely has standardized sizes, and dog clothing is even more confusing. You need to have accurate measurements available on your Shopify store that will tell pet parents exactly how big their pet’s new clothes are going to be! Make sure to include instructions on how to measure a dog’s chest, neck, and length from collar to tail. Nobody likes dealing with the hassle and expense of returns, so make sure everybody is satisfied with an accurate size chart for furry friends.
High-Quality Product Images
Product photos can make or break a sale. For dog clothing, high-quality images are essential to show not only the style of the clothing but also how it fits on different breeds and sizes. Include images from various angles and close-up shots that highlight the fabric and details. Displaying photos with dogs of different breeds wearing the clothes helps customers visualize how an item might look on their own pet.
Dog Clothing Apps
In many respects, however, selling human clothing isn’t too different from selling dog clothing. Shopify offers lots of fantastic tools for selling human clothing that you can use to make your dog clothes line seem appealing. Apps for customizable size charts, such as Kiwi Sizing, are particularly useful for pet clothing stores. This app allows you to create an intuitive, customizable size guide so customers can confidently pick the right fit for their dog.
Inventory management apps are equally helpful, as they simplify stock tracking and make it easy to manage a variety of sizes and styles. So are apps that enhance your store by collecting and displaying customer reviews, complete with photos of their dogs wearing the clothes. This kind of social proof is powerful and can significantly boost conversion rates.
Dog Clothing Themes
Your choice of Shopify theme is also important when you’re selling dog clothes. Shopify has lots of themes that are great for clothing and make it easy for your customers to browse, shop, and envision their pup in your outfits. Choose a theme that’s bright and attractive and easy for customers to navigate. You also want a theme that looks just as good on mobile as it does on desktop so that you can fetch the widest range of customers.
Customer Engagement Strategies
Effective customer engagement goes a long way in establishing your Shopify store as a favorite among dog owners. One strategy is to create a blog or content section on your store where you share dog care tips, styling advice, or fun stories about pets. This added value keeps customers coming back to your site and strengthens their trust in your brand.
Utilize email marketing to reach out to past customers with promotions, seasonal collections, or special limited-time items. Creating a VIP program or loyalty rewards can encourage repeat purchases and foster a strong community around your brand. Personalization is key; sending tailored emails based on previous purchases or browsing behavior can significantly improve customer retention and sales.
Is Selling Dog Clothes Profitable?
The profitability of selling dog clothes can be significant, especially as the market continues to grow. Pet owners are willing to spend on high-quality, durable, and stylish clothing for their dogs, just like they are for their own clothes. The key to profitability lies in offering a variety of products that cater to different needs, ranging from practical gear to decorative outfits for holidays and special occasions.
Keeping an eye on trends in the pet clothing market can also give your store an edge. Items such as matching human-and-pet outfits, eco-friendly fabrics, and customizable clothing options are gaining popularity. By aligning your product offerings with what’s trending, you position your store as a go-to for pet fashion. Maintaining a well-structured marketing strategy, including email campaigns, social media promotions, and loyalty programs, can also help maximize revenue.
Apps Can Boost Your Ability To Sell Dog Clothes on Shopify
Apps are what elevate a standard Shopify store to a high-performing one. Each app adds functionality that makes the shopping experience more seamless and enjoyable for the customer shopping for dog clothes. Shopify store success requires a mix of strong visuals, reliable sizing tools, and effective engagement strategies. For your sizing needs, check out Kiwi Sizing, and contact us to learn more about creating custom size charts for any kind of clothes!
