latestnews

Neighborhood Pet Store Franchise Sets Goal to Sponsor at least 500 Pet Adoptions in Communities Nationwide.

LIVONIA, Mich. — Known as America’s Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store, Pet Supplies Plus has outlined big plans to give back in 500+ communities over the next four months. Local outreach initiatives include:

• July: Pet Supplies Plus has partnered with multiple pet food brands to provide shelters, rescues and adoption organizations around the country with over 16,000 bags of cat and dog food valued at over $200,000 and more than 17,000 pet toys, valued at over $180,000.
  • The food and toys will arrive in Pet Supplies Plus stores the week of July 5-10, to be delivered to organizations near and dear to the local store’s heart in the days following. Partners involved in the initiative include Blue Buffalo, Stella & Chewy, Science Diet, Diamond, Natural Balance, Nutri Source, Whole Earth Farms, Nestle Purina, Mars Petcare, Wellpet and KONG.
• August: Pet Supplies Plus will partner will Hill’s Science Diet to help support the Clear the Shelters initiative, which is a community-driven, nationwide pet adoption campaign dedicated to placing pets with the perfect animal-loving home.
• September: The brand, along with local store owners and operators, also established a goal to sponsor at least 500 pet adoptions come September. The neighborhood retailer, celebrating a growth milestone amid the opening of its 500^th location, plans to help at least 500 pets find their forever home, by covering their adoption fees or related expenses.
• October: Pet Supplies Plus locations across the nation will host local adoption events in-store to honor National Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month – with surprises in-store from pet partner, KONG.

Pet Supplies Plus offers a wide array of natural pet foods and a variety of Made in the USA pet consumables, such as wet and dry food, treats, rawhide and chews. Set in welcoming neighborhood environments, Pet Supplies Plus team members get to know their neighbors and pets by name at every store.

“Pets have the power to bring people together and provide comfort and joy in the homes of our neighbors and within their communities,” said Chris Rowland, Chief Executive Officer of Pet Supplies Plus. “We wanted to leverage the relationships we have with our network of generous pet partners to help support local organizations and shelters facing extra challenges right now. We’re incredibly humbled to have the platform and ability to support our neighbors and their pets through these outreach efforts. Given our neighborhood and community focus, we felt it was the most appropriate way to commemorate our growth.”

In an effort to offer more convenient shopping options for pet parents, the majority of Pet Supplies Plus stores nationwide are offering delivery services, bringing pet food and supplies directly to homes, as well as free 2-hour curbside pickup. While pet parents can still go into the stores to shop, they can also order online and drive to their nearest location, where a team member will bring the items to their vehicle.

Pet Retailer Continues Franchise Growth Amid COVID Thanks to Omnichannel Shopping Experience.

LIVONIA, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest independent pet retailer in North America, accepted 12 new franchise agreements and one independent pet conversion in the first half of 2020.

The signed agreements will result in 20 new locations for America’s favorite neighborhood pet store, including the brand’s first venture into the state of Washington. Other state developments agreed to this year include Texas, Massachusetts, California and Illinois.

“When you join the Pet Supplies Plus family, you’re entering a recession-resistant industry that’s been growing for decades. You’re also joining a fantastic leadership team dedicated to helping its owners succeed – whether it be in merchandising, marketing, eCommerce, supply chain, promotions, pricing, managing social media and more,” said CEO Chris Rowland. “We’ll be celebrating our 500-store opening this year, which speaks to the strength of our growing brand and the high rewards that franchising with us offers.”

Part of Pet Supplies Plus’ development success can be attributed to its robust online ordering platform, which has been on full display since COVID-19 hit.

While Pet Supplies Plus locations, deemed essential businesses, remained opened during the pandemic, many owners transitioned focus to the online ordering, free curbside pickup in which customers only had to open their trunk and offering same day delivery as well. With a system capable of handling the influx of online traffic, the franchise’s ecommerce growth skyrocketed – jumping 2,275% from January 2020 to April 2020.

As consumers increasingly opt for an online ordering experience, Pet Supplies Plus demonstrated the strength and capabilities of its omni-channel shopping experience to neighbors, an endearing term used to refer to its customers. This service allows neighbors to shop with Pet Supplies Plus how and when they want.

Pet Supplies Plus is also well known for its high touch, interactive in-store shopping experience, which did not waver when the pandemic hit. The franchise diligently followed CDC guidelines and quickly implemented appropriate safety measures. All of which allowed Pet Supplies Plus to remain a one-stop-shop for all pet grocery needs, products, toys and services.

“We experienced it during the recession, and we’ve seen it through the first half of this year: the needs and desires of pet parents to provide for their pets remains steadfast,” said CEO Chris Rowland. “Pets are family members, and while neighbors stocked up on essentials during this pandemic, they also visited our stores for an escape. We’re a quick trip for treats, toys and free resources to keep neighbors’ dogs, cats and small pets feeling loved.”