A new company, Sherpa Pet Group LLC, will encompass several existing pet product brands under one name. Kevin Sheridan and Tim Ford started the company with the purchase of Sherpa's Pet Trading Co.'s operations and recently added several more brands.
At press time, the new group consisted of six brands, mostly representing pet apparel: Sherpa Pet Trading, Woof Wear, Cloak and Dawggie, Go Dog, Dog Mountain and Fox & Hounds.
Many of the brands kept their current staff, but Sherpa acquired “operational control” and moved all ordering, marketing and other back-of-the-house functions to its headquarters in Rockaway, N.J., according to Julie Krauss, vice president of marketing for Sherpa Pet Group.
Krauss said the new group’s product variety will streamline ordering for vendors who might have had to approach each brand in the past.
Fox & Hounds’ brand of pet accessories was the most recent to join the group. Founded more than a decade ago by Robin Kershner, the Alexandria, Va.-based Fox & Hounds decided to close its doors last April when Kershner opted for early retirement.
Sherpa approached Kershner a few months later.
The Fox & Hounds product line, however, will be pared down to just the top sellers, including its ribbons, most of its leathers and the Gracie line, according to Kathryn McCarthy, director of boutique sales.
A full restocking was expected by the end of August.
McCarthy and Kelly Johnston, who is vice president of production, were brought over from Fox & Hounds. Kershner will also continue to provide input on design.
Sherpa anticipated launching at new website and online ordering system for its brands by the end of the summer.
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