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'Business gets better when people get better.'

With a 20-plus year history in the pet industry, Petland President Frank Difatta knows this about his craft:

"Business gets better when people get better," he said, during his opening remarks at the 2006 Petland Trade Show.

Difatta went on to credit a number of Petland franchisees and pet industry manufacturers for raising the standards in the domestic pet industry. To that end, Difatta noted that Petland, Inc. opened 20 quality retail pet store locations this year, bringing the store total to 195 locations.

Internationally, Petland Canada added three new stores while Petland in Chile added four in the last two years. Difatta said South Africa's Deon Kannemeyer has plans to add another Nature's Petland store. This one will be in Johannesburg, an up-and-coming city in South Africa. In 2007, Petland also will open its first location in China.

Focus on consumables

"Our focus for 2007 will be on private label and consumable products at competitive prices," Difatta said.

Difatta noted the value to each Petland store operator who can increase the number of repeat customers who purchase items like cat litter and pet foods. He said marketing promotions for fish and fish supplies also will increase next year.

Training a staple

In 2007, attendance at Petland training classes in Chillicothe will be required of franchisees and staff. There will be employee training and testing on www.petlandinc.com. New Petland uniforms also will be required.

"Training and a unified presentation is key to advancing our brand and to each Petland store's continued success," Difatta said.

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