Overcoming Product Discovery Challenges in the Pet Industry

The pet industry is thriving online as more pet owners turn to e-commerce for convenience, variety, and accessibility. From pet food and treats to grooming supplies and pet tech, the shift toward online shopping has transformed how pet owners find and purchase products. However, as competition intensifies, pet retailers face unique product discovery challenges that can impact sales and customer satisfaction.

Why do pet owners struggle with finding the right products online?

Finding the right pet products can be a frustrating journey for many pet owners due to the complex nature of their needs and preferences. From specific dietary requirements to trending items, the challenges in product discovery can often leave shoppers feeling overwhelmed and underserved.

Here are the common product discovery challenges for the pet industry:

• Trend and Seasonality: Seasonal products and trending items like eco-friendly options can be difficult to surface, resulting in missed sales opportunities driven by pet owner preferences.
• Complex Product Variability: Pet products come in numerous variations, such as sizes, flavors, and breed-specific needs, making it challenging for shoppers to find the exact items they’re looking for.
• Specialized Search Needs: Pet owners often have specific requirements like hypoallergenic foods or breed-specific items, and standard search engines struggle to understand these nuanced queries.
• Personalization Challenges: Delivering personalized recommendations based on the type of pet, past purchases, and individual needs is crucial but often mishandled, leaving customers feeling underserved.
  

According to the Klevu Customer Census, the pet industry has one of the highest search-led conversion rate averaging 16%, and 8% for site wide. Using an AI search solution like Klevu, pet retailers can ensure their shoppers find exactly what they are searching for.

Petzone’s hunt for the perfect search solution

Petzone, a prominent pet store chain in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE, has recently launched a revamped online store and mobile app. This strategic initiative aimed to boost their online presence and deliver an improved omnichannel experience to their customers. With the assistance of Magneto IT Solutions, top-rated eCommerce development company, Petzone successfully built an online store and created mobile apps for both Android and iOS platforms, enhancing their digital footprint and offering a superior shopping experience across various channels.

The need for an upgraded search tool

Petzone’s extensive product range necessitated an advanced and user-friendly search function to cater to their customers’ needs effectively. Understanding the critical role of search functionality in driving user engagement and satisfaction, Petzone partnered with Magneto IT Solutions, to launch an enhanced online store. The primary objective was to develop a solution that was both mobile and web-friendly, capable of driving more traffic to their website and improving the overall shopping experience.

Key Requirements for the Search Tool

When selecting the perfect search tool, Petzone had specific goals in mind:

1. AI-Powered Intelligent Product Search: To provide accurate and relevant search results tailored to individual customer preferences.
2. Fast-Loading Search Results: Ensuring quick response times to enhance the user experience and reduce bounce rates.
3. Product Recommendations: Offering personalized product suggestions to increase upsell opportunities and improve customer satisfaction.

Solution: Klevu’s site search solution

To meet these requirements, Petzone implemented Klevu’s site search solution. This powerful tool enabled Petzone to connect more effectively with their customers by delivering a seamless and intuitive search experience. Klevu’s AI-driven search capabilities ensured that customers received accurate and relevant results quickly, while personalized product recommendations helped to enhance the shopping experience and drive sales.

“Klevu’s Site Search has significantly improved our online store’s search functionality. Our customers can now find what they need quickly and easily, leading to increased satisfaction and higher sales.” – Marketing Manager, Petzone

“The implementation of Klevu’s search tool has been a game-changer for our business. The AI-powered search and personalized recommendations have boosted our customer retention and engagement.” – IT Director, Petzone

Future goals and results

The collaboration between Petzone, Magneto IT Solutions, and Klevu has yielded impressive results. By enhancing their website and creating mobile-friendly apps, Petzone has achieved a better user experience across all digital platforms. The introduction of personalized search results, fast search options, and tailored product suggestions has not only improved search results but also increased customer retention.

Looking ahead, Petzone aims to continue leveraging Klevu’s advanced search capabilities to further refine their online shopping experience. By staying attuned to customer needs and continuously enhancing their digital offerings, Petzone is well-positioned for sustained growth and success in the competitive pet retail market.

Conclusion

The pet industry’s shift to online shopping has transformed how pet owners find and purchase products, but it has also introduced unique challenges in product discovery. As seen from this example, addressing these challenges with advanced search technologies can greatly enhance the shopping experience. By focusing on personalized, fast, and accurate search solutions, pet retailers can better meet the diverse needs of pet owners, drive engagement, and stay ahead in a competitive market.