Exotic Pet Business On The Rise

Exotic pets have piqued consumer interest. Consumers who prefer these pets say that exotics require much less maintenance than dogs and cats do, and fit better into a busy lifestyle. Exotic pet shop owners say business is brisk, despite the recession.

Not everyone is thrilled about the idea of sharing space with pythons, snakes and iguanas, though. Representatives from the Humane Society say that it can be difficult to place full-grown exotic pets in new homes when the original owner gets tired of them or when they escape into the wild.

Retail Sales Figures Were Up In August

Retailers got a much needed 2.7% boost in sales in the month of August, largely due to the back-to-school shoppers who filled stores looking for bargain clothing, school supplies and equipment. Also included in retail sales were sales of new cars. When new cars were subtracted from the picture, overall retail sales rose 1.1%, up from a 0.6% decrease in July. Retail sales were up broadly, meaning that there was no one retail sector that benefitted more than another. Auto sales definitely got a lift, but some analysts say that the new auto sales derived from the Cash for Clunkers program means that fewer discretionary dollars will be available for spending in the coming months.

Retail store business financing is still keeping retailers down, and small retailers say that getting retail financing ahead of the holiday season is among their top concerns.

Photo Credit: Tambako the Jaguar, via Flickr

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