pet services

Planned Rebranding of 40 Locations Saves Potential Jobs, Creates Turnkey Franchise Opportunities.

LIVONIA, Mich. — Closing its record-breaking growth year on a positive note, Pet Supplies Plus announced today it will acquire an estimated 40 previously operated Pet Valu locations throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia with some locations to reopen with Pet Supplies Plus branding, products and services as early as January, 2021.

News of the conversions comes after Pet Valu announced last month it was shutting down all U.S. operations, including its 358 stores. By transforming and rebranding some of these store locations to Pet Supplies Plus, many jobs will be saved that might otherwise be lost in addition to keeping pet parents happy by providing a high-touch shopping experience.

Pet Supplies Plus, with over 500 stores in 35 states, is the fastest growing and largest independent pet retailer in North America, and is known for its neighborhood friendliness and Minus the hassle shopping experience.

According to company executives, the former Pet Valu stores will be a mix of corporate and franchisee-owned Pet Supplies Plus locations. These store conversions present a turnkey business opportunity for potential franchisees to step in and operate the stores with a significantly shortened store opening timeline, take advantage of established real estate and benefit from minimal build out expenses vs. building a brand new brick and mortar location. Potential franchisees will also benefit from inheriting an established neighbor base in need of pet foods, goods and services.

“I would like to extend gratitude to the Pet Valu team, who have been nothing but professional and supportive throughout this entire process,” said Nick Russo, senior vice president of franchising and store operations for Pet Supplies Plus. “This exemplifies the type of culture Pet Valu has developed, and we are excited to offer many Pet Valu associates a new home with us.”

Additionally, Russo said the company is seeking qualified franchise partners to be the face of Pet Supplies Plus for many of these locations, adding, “When you pair our national resources and established support systems with a passionate owner who knows the community well and keeps the neighbor at the forefront of all decisions, that’s when Pet Supplies Plus truly shines.”

Russo noted that Pet Supplies Plus has seen a positive impact from the increased spending on pets throughout the country during the pandemic. The demand for franchising opportunities has also increased. In fact, he said, the company is expected to open an estimated 100 new stores in 2021, which includes the previously operated Pet Valu stores obtained. This more than doubles the number of stores opened in 2020.

“We chose locations where we knew Pet Supplies Plus will make the biggest positive impact, especially for pet parents who need a community retailer to depend on for their pet needs,” said CEO Chris Rowland. “We’re honored to provide these neighborhoods with a large assortment of quality pet products and services with knowledgeable team members ready to help make pet ownership easier.”

Pet Supplies Plus is known for its welcoming neighborhood environment, where team members get to know their neighbors and pets by name at every store and offers a wide array of pet care products and toys, as well as natural pet foods and a variety of Made in USA pet consumables, such as wet and dry food, treats, rawhide and chews, both in store and online. Pet Supplies Plus can safely accommodate all in-store services like grooming, pet washes, and Vet Clinics, real-time advice and an opportunity for pets to do their own shopping. In addition, neighbors can conveniently shop online for same-day delivery services that bring pet food and supplies directly to homes, as well as free 2-hours curbside pickup.

America’s Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store Partners with Natural Balance® to Help Provide Service Dogs to Deserving, Disabled Veterans.

DENTON, Texas — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest and most trusted pet retail franchise in the United States, has collaborated with Natural Balance® to raise awareness about the incredible and positive impact pets have on active and former military servicemen and women. As a result of this national partnership, Natural Balance® donated $50,000 to Patriot PAWS Service Dogs, a non-profit that trains and provides service dogs for disabled veterans, at no cost. The local Pet Supplies Plus in Denton will host a check presentation, fittingly, on Veteran’s Day (November 11) at 9 a.m.

During the month of November, a portion of the proceeds from Natural Balance® products purchased at any of the 500+ Pet Supplies Plus locations contributed to the $50,000 donation to Patriot PAWS. The donation will help the organization provide service dogs, at no cost, to disabled American veterans with mobile disabilities in order to help restore and maintain their physical and emotional stability.

“We know the positive impact a support animal can have on a healing veteran, and how difficult it can be to await the relief that they can bring, which is why we’re humbled to do our part and continue our partnership with Patriot PAWS for the fourth consecutive year,” said Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus. “With over 50 disabled American veterans waiting for a Patriot PAWS Service Dog, we hope these funds will help expedite the process to allow more veterans to be united with their service dog.”

The check will be presented at the Denton Pet Supplies Plus, located at 1400 S. Loop 288 in Denton, TX, at 9 a.m. CST.

While the positive impact of service dogs on the wellbeing of veterans is widely known, many are waitlisted to be matched with their Patriot PAWS service dog, as the level of disabled veteran applicants is so high. On top of the existing demand, countless studies indicate the devastating impact of the pandemic, alone, has on the emotional and physical health of the nation, including American veterans – making Patriot PAWS’ services that much more essential.

Founded in 2006 by professional dog trainer, Lori Stevens, Patriot PAWS aims to train and place service dogs with disabled veterans. The organization’s Rockwall campus in Texas houses and trains up to 35 dogs at a time with an additional 50-60 dogs trained at other locations. Year to date, they have placed 22 service dogs with veterans in need —aiding in their transition from military to civilian life. Although they have seen significantly less placements this year due to COVID, the organization continues to remain focused on their mission, and with the help of Pet Supplies Plus and Natural Balance®, expect to be able to make a few more placements by the end of the year.

“We are beyond thankful that Pet Supplies Plus was able to, once again, team up with Natural Balance® to support our mission,” said Patriot PAWS Founder Lori Stevens. “It allows us the ability to help provide some of our disabled American veterans currently on our waitlist with a Patriot PAWS Service Dog. This generous donation means more to us than ever before – ensuring highly trained service dogs at no cost to these deserving individuals.”

Now with more than 500 locations in 35 states across the country, Pet Supplies Plus offers a wide array of natural pet foods, 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. Many locations also feature a full offering of grooming services tailored to meet every pet’s needs, including washes, haircuts, body brushing, flea treatment and nail, skin, ear and oral care. For more information, visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.

Neighborhood Pet Retailer named a ‘Top Growth Franchise’ by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pet Service Category Predicted to be one of the ‘hottest’ industries.

LIVONIA, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest independent pet retailer in North America, known for its high-touch local shopping experience was ranked No. 104 in Entrepreneur Magazine’s first ‘Top Growth Franchises,’ list.

Published in the September issue, the list recognized only 150 companies from Entrepreneur’s annual Franchise 500 ranking.

To determine the 2020 Top Growth Franchises ranking, Entrepreneur evaluates each franchisor’s total positive franchise growth over the past three years as well as factors that negatively affect growth, such as terminations, nonrenewals, and other closures.

This recognition follows Entrepreneur Magazine’s, updated list of The Hottest Industries Today which highlights the pet category with its consistent year-over-year growth even in this challenging year. From the start of the pandemic, Pet Supplies Plus was deemed an essential retailer, with its 500-plus stores providing a wide assortment of pet grocery needs, products, toys, and services. When Amazon and other online pet retailers were taking between 3-7 days for delivery, Pet Supplies Plus, having proactively anticipated the increased need for inventory, offered neighbors same day pick up or delivery from their conveniently located neighborhood pet stores.

“We’ve always been a recession-resistant franchise and our strength and stability during 2020 has only solidified our brand’s track record of success,” said CEO Chris Rowland. “One of the reasons pet passionate candidates are joining Pet Supplies Plus, is because of our continuous growth and innovation benefits both for our locally-owned stores and corporate locations.”

Pet Supplies Plus has already signed 36 franchise agreements this year, to account for 59 new stores.

The Pet Supplies Plus system is built to help franchisees scale quickly and successfully. For example, Brian Rolf, became a Pet Supplies Plus owner in 2016, after serving in the military for 20 years. In four short years, Rolf is now a multi-unit owner and recognized as a Franchise Business Review 2020 Franchise Rock Star.

This year’s Franchise Rock Stars were selected from over 28,000 franchisees, representing more than 300 brands that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research in the past 18 months. Rolf, like many owners in the Pet Supplies Plus system, are examples of achieving success through following the franchise model and fully committing to the community and neighbors they serve.

“Retail works when it is powered by passion-driven individuals that genuinely love what they do and who they do it for,” said Rowland. “Often times our owners can be found on the sales floor alongside their knowledgeable team members for in-store shopping as well as overseeing streamlined online ordering, curbside pickup and delivery.”

Pet Supplies Plus thrives because the owners’ top focus is connecting with their neighbors. The franchise takes ‘Minus the hassle,’ out of business ownership by providing world-class franchisee support, purchasing power, merchandising, marketing, supply chain logistics and other ‘back room’ duties. The brands community-minded owners paired with superior corporate support makes for a winning combination.

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.”

Pet Supplies Plus Provides In-Home Guide, Advice for New Pet Parents.

LIVONIA, Mich. — Shelters across the United States are reporting a significant surge of applications for fostering and adopting animals during COVID-19, resulting in a high demand for supplies at local pet retailers. To ensure pet parents can get food and the necessary products for their new member of the family, more than 490 Pet Supplies Plus stores in 34 states nationwide are offering free 2-hour curbside pickup. Pet parents can simply order online and drive to their nearest location, where a team member will bring the items to their vehicle.

In addition, over 200 Pet Supplies Plus stores are offering delivery services, bringing pet food and supplies directly to homes during the pandemic and moving forward.

The curbside pickup and delivery services are necessary safety precautions during the pandemic, especially given the increase in pet fostering and adoptions. Local shelters in Chicago, Dallas, New York City, Los Angeles, Kansas City and many more are reporting fostering applications surging to as much as tenfold over what they are on a typical day. Petpoint, a software program with over 1,200 shelters in its database, reported that fostering and adoption rates are up 700 percent from last year.

“Pets can help combat loneliness and provide a great source of comfort during stressful times,” said Chris Rowland, Chief Executive Officer of Pet Supplies Plus. “That’s one reason for the increase in adoptions and fostering. Sheltering-in-place has also given people the opportunity to be at home throughout the day to devote time and attention to caring for a pet. We’re glad we are able to provide a safe way for pet parents to obtain the food and supplies they need to take care of their new family members.”

With curbside pickup in place at all Pet Supplies Plus locations, pet parents can easily pick up all the products they need while practicing safe social distancing. Because enforcing social distancing during outdoor activity can be a bit trickier, the brand created a fun infographic to help envision the distance of six feet … in animal terms: Imagine a dog, two cats, and a guinea pigs’ length between you and other fellow pet owners.

At-Home Guide
Pet Supplies Plus has also created an at-home guide for those extending their homes to new and fostered pets, hoping to make the transition simple and comforting for the pet and parent. For first-time pet parents, the list of supplies, available through delivery, curbside pickup and in store, will help round out all the items needed to create a healthy environment for your new furry friend:

• Toys: Be mindful of your pet’s strength and temperament when choosing any toy and be sure to keep a close eye on them as they play. Smart toy options include treat dispensing toys, plush toys, discs, tennis balls and puzzle toys.
• Food/supplies: Upon getting a new animal, take note of how much and often they eat. On a trip to the pet store, buy more than you think you’ll need as a precaution and until you have a consistent routine in place. Additional items like a water and food bowl, and treats with nutritional benefits are a worthwhile buy.
• First-time essentials: For walks, make sure to buy a good quality collar and leash, as well as ID tags. For comfort, order a bed, litterbox and/or crate, all important for training and bedtime. For health, consider flea and tick prevention. For grooming, get a brush, nail clippers and shampoo.
• Preventing injuries: Try to prevent injury, specifically for our senior pets, by properly tucking cables away from walking spaces and putting up barriers to block off stairs or other off-limits spaces. Similarly, if your pet is a chewer, keep any small or tempting items out of reach.

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.

To place an order for curbside pickup or to see whether your local Pet Supplies Plus store offers a delivery option, please visit https://www.petsuppliesplus.com/.