Welcome to Episode 20 of the Pet Biz Project. This week, Tarryn sits down with Tia Wishart from IndePet to explore the power of community and collaboration in the independent pet retail space.

Tia shares her journey from a corporate legal career to finding her purpose in the pet industry, and how IndePet is supporting a network of over 50 independent pet stores across Australia and New Zealand. She opens up about how the member-owned model empowers store owners, fosters collaboration, and ensures that pet parents get tailored advice from passionate and knowledgeable professionals.

From developing their own private label dog food brand to launching the industry’s first Women in Pet event, Tia reveals the behind-the-scenes work IndePet is doing to help independent pet stores thrive in a rapidly evolving and competitive market.

Topics also covered in this episode include:

• How IndePet helps independent stores access better pricing, training, and supplier relationships.
• The evolution of their exclusive pet food brand, Phoenix, and plans for expansion.
• Why building emotional support networks and peer relationships is essential in retail.
• How the annual IndePet Conference and Women in Pet event are bringing the industry together.
• What it takes to shift the mindset from competition to collaboration among independents.
• How face-to-face, personalised advice remains a powerful differentiator for bricks-and-mortar retailers.
• The importance of trust, connection, and meaningful relationships in the pet industry.

Plus much more!

Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation that will reignite your belief in the strength of community and the value of supporting independent pet businesses.

IndePet links:

IndePet website: https://indepet.com.au/

IndePet LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indepet/

Tia’s links:

To get in touch with Tia, email: [email protected]

Tia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-wishart/

Tia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventures.of.tia/

The Pet Biz Project podcast helps you to build meaningful relationships with and sell more effectively to one of Australia's fastest growing consumer groups, Pet Parents.

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