New Croc clogs mean matching togs for your dogs

From cowboy boots to fried chicken-scented charms, foam footwear maker Crocs has a reputation for mixing quirky with comfortable. And this year, the brand is letting pets in on the fun by rolling out a line of clogs made for dogs.

From cowboy boots to fried chicken-scented charms, foam footwear maker Crocs has a reputation for quirk. This month, Crocs is putting its best paw forward: The quirky-but-comfortable footwear maker is releasing a line of clogs for dogs. Pet Clogs are part of a partnership with pet supply company and subscription service BARK as part of Crocs’ annual “Croctober” campaign, when it releases a fan-inspired product. Companies often release promotional or limited-time items to boost recognition of their brand. Special flavors of sodas or candies, partnerships with influencers or other brands, even items that aren’t meant to be taken seriously can all help a company get a burst of publicity and help them stand out in a crowded marketplace among shoppers fighting inflaiton and looking to stretch their dollars. “(The market) is returning, from my perspective, to what it was pre-pandemic, which is key promotional periods are super important,” CEO Andrew Rees told analysts during an earnings call in August. “We believe you have to participate in those promotional periods to get your fair share of consumer spending.” Americans have been shelling out more money for their furry friends over the past decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported pet expenditures increased by 77.9% from 2013 to 2021. Pet owners spent a total of $147 billion on pet-related expenses in 2023, and that number is projected to go up to $150.6 billion this year, according to the American Pet Products Association.