Pet Marketing – Luxury Stationary Communications with The Pet Set (Pierce Mattie Public Relations New York)

I recently had the opportunity to interview Kim Banks, the owner of The Pet Set, a luxury card and stationary company featuring the beauty of dogs. As a dog owner myself to a beautiful Shitzu named Toby, I absolutely love the look of The Pet Set social stationary.

Pierce Mattie: How did you start The Pet Set?

Kim Banks: After considerable research of the stationery market and the multi-million dollar pet industry, I determined that there were no high-end greeting card and stationery products. The Pet Set was initially started by modeling our business strategy modestly on Tiffany's.

Pierce Mattie: Who are some of your biggest clients?

Kim Banks: Our clients are predominantly high-end stationery and pet boutiques across the U.S. and Canada, now also reaching the U.K.

Pierce Mattie: What are some of your most popular breeds?

Kim Banks: While the entire line is very popular, we advise 1st-time clients to begin stocking their stores with the retriever varieties, as they follow the AKC registration list.

Pierce Mattie: I love that your paper comes from Mohawk Fine Papers, what have they been like as your partner to work with?

Kim Banks: We believe that Mohawk is the apex of fine paper--they have been an excellent partner, and publicize The Pet Set for many of their own marketing initiatives.

Pierce Mattie: How did your relationship with Colleen M. Madden develop?

Kim Banks: I found Colleen's work through The Society of Illustrators and other Artists Guilds. Our relationship developed, as a result of her enthusiasm and devotion to The Pet Set and her resolute work ethic. I initiate the design, mood, tone, copy, etc. she then refines the images with her illustrative talents.

Pierce Mattie: Do you have any pet charities that you are currently working with for 2009?

Kim Banks: The Pet Set fondly supports The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, ASPA and Puppies Behind Bars, as well as The Humane Society of New York.

Pierce Mattie: What do you have in-store for publicity for the fall season?

Kim Banks: We are planning, print advertising in select pet, stationery and gift publications, appropriate gift shows and perhaps an upscale pet exhibit. We primarily focus on one-to-one mailings and continue to incorporate and leverage the social sites, such as Twitter, Facebook, FriendFeed, and the like -- as well as making the most of The-PetSet.com.

Pierce Mattie: Consumers may purchase your cards online but can they also find you in any stores, if so which ones?

Kim Banks: Dulles Designs, in Charleston SC, Zoomies in NYC, LaPaperie in Savannah, GA - The Quill in Pacific Grove, CA, FineStationery.com, Walton Street in Alexandria VA, Three Dog Bakery Commpany, Country Clubs and fine hotels such as The Ritz at Bachelors Gulf, and many other locations across the country.

You can learn more about Kim and The Pet Set at www.The-PetSet.com.