We just got back from Global Pet Expo in Orlando (Feb. 12-14), and I'm happy to report that it was, by all accounts, a resounding success. Any other year, this would come as no surprise--the show has been growing steadily since its inception five years ago--but this year, the show was held in the midst of a recession. However, there was little evidence of this on the trade show floor. Sure, the exhibits were generally a bit smaller and a little less flashy than in years past, but the event drew a record number of exhibitors and attendees.

This must be a good sign for the industry. We can talk all day about how the market for pet products is recession resistent, but the success of Global Pet Expo provides hard evidence that the industry is alive and well. It also shows that pet specialty retailers are staying aggressive in looking for new products and new ideas to improve their businesses, which will be key to their continued success moving forward.