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Neighborhood Pet Store Creates Safe Options to Ensure Pets Needs are Met During Pandemic.
LIVONIA, Mich. — Designated as an essential business during the COVID-19 outbreak, more than 490 Pet Supplies Plus stores in 34 states nationwide will remain open and are offering free 2-hour curbside pickup. In addition, several stores in 17 states are delivering pet food and supplies directly to pet parents’ homes during the pandemic and moving forward.
With curbside pickup, pet parents can simply order online and the store will gather and package their items for curbside pickup, where a team member will bring the items directly to their vehicle.
Select stores in the following states will also offer home delivery service: Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
“Providing a safe way for pet parents to obtain quality food and necessary supplies for their pets is our highest priority,” said Chris Rowland, Chief Executive Officer of Pet Supplies Plus. “Pet parents should not feel like they have to compromise their pets’ nutrition or other needs during this pandemic. Curbside pickup, as well as delivery at as many stores as possible, are designed to provide safe options for our neighbors.”
Now with more than 490 locations in 34 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.
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/.
About Pet Supplies Plus
Pet Supplies Plus is focused on making it easier to get better products for your pet. With over 490 locations in 34 states, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural foods, hard goods and pet services. Headquartered in Livonia, MI., Pet Supplies Plus is ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Annual Franchise 500® list as the Top Full-Service Pet Supplies Franchise for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength, growth rate and system size. For more information visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.
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NEW YORK — Today, Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN) Global Connect and Pet Supplies Plus, the largest, neighborhood pet retailer in the U.S., announced a long-term, exclusive analytic relationship. With this agreement, Nielsen Global Connect will be the exclusive analytic collaborator to access Pet Supplies Plus’s in-store, ecommerce and key account data. Effective immediately, Nielsen Global Connect will gain measurement into over 500 Pet Supplies Plus stores, amplifying its industry-leading, total pet retail read for the U.S. market.
Since 1988, Pet Supplies Plus has grown a distinguished reputation within the pet retail space for its customer-centric shopping experience, ‘minus the hassle.’ Through Nielsen Global Connect data, Pet Supplies Plus will gain an enhanced understanding of today’s passionate pet consumer landscape to power the next decade of retail growth and franchisee success.
“Understanding our consumer is a top priority as we navigate today’s quick moving and evolving omnichannel landscape,” said Derek Panfil, Chief Merchandise and Marketing Officer at Pet Supplies Plus. “Nielsen Global Connect is the most prominent source of data within the U.S. pet market and as we grow our presence both instore and online, we look to Nielsen’s strength in omnichannel measurement to inform our daily data-driven decisions.”
“The U.S. pet retail channel continues to thrive and winning pet retailers like Pet Supplies Plus are leaning heavily into data and analytics to stay one step ahead,” said Raha Alavi, Senior Vice President of Retail Services at Nielsen Global Connect. “As we shape a smarter market for the pet industry at large, we are proud to welcome Pet Supplies Plus to the Nielsen Global Connect measurement universe.”
In 2019, Nielsen Global Connect launched Nielsen Total U.S. Pet Retail, the industry’s first holistic view of the U.S. pet retail market. With a view into more than 10,000 pet specialty stores, Nielsen Global Connect’s pet read provides a combined and inclusive view of pet specialty, non specialty, regional chains, independent stores, military commissary, grocery and mass market stores across the U.S.
ABOUT NIELSEN
Nielsen Holdings plc (NYSE: NLSN) is a global measurement and data analytics company that provides the most complete and trusted view available of consumers and markets worldwide. Nielsen is divided into two business units. Nielsen Global Media, the arbiter of truth for media markets, provides media and advertising industries with unbiased and reliable metrics that create a shared understanding of the industry required for markets to function. Nielsen Global Connect provides consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers with accurate, actionable information and insights and a complete picture of the complex and changing marketplace that companies need to innovate and grow.
Our approach marries proprietary Nielsen data with other data sources to help clients around the world understand what’s happening now, what’s happening next, and how to best act on this knowledge.
An S&P 500 company, Nielsen has operations in over 100 countries, covering more than 90% of the world’s population. For more information, visit www.nielsen.com.
ABOUT PET SUPPLIES PLUS
Pet Supplies Plus is focused on making it easier to get better products for your pet. With over 460 locations in 33 states, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural pet foods, goods and services. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Pet Supplies Plus ranked No. 46 in Entrepreneur magazine’s 40th Annual Franchise 500® list as the Top Full-Service Pet Supplies Franchise for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate and system size.
LIVONIA, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest and most trusted pet retail franchise in the United States, recently announced a fundraising initiative to benefit the World Wide Fund for Nature in Australia. In light of the recent tragic bushfires in Australia and its impact on their wildlife, Pet Supplies Plus along with its partners are matching up to $10,000 in donations to help save wildlife and protect and restore the bushland.
Pet Supplies Plus, along with Victor Pet Food, WellPet, Stella & Chewy’s, LLC., and Merrick Pet Care, are coming together to spread awareness and raise donations to help World Wide Fund for Nature in Australia. With more than 10.7 million hectares of Australian land being burned, the donations raised will aid Australia’s efforts to rebuild. Every contribution made will have an impact and Pet Supplies Plus will match dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. Donations can be made through Pet Supplies Plus Facebook, in addition to local store Facebook pages.
Founded in 1961, WWF’s global mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live and prosper in harmony with nature. WWF-Australia is part of the WWF International Network, the world’s leading, independent conservation organization.
“We are heartbroken about the devastation of the Australian wildfires and stand by the mission of WWF-Australia,” said Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus. “Pet Supplies Plus has no boundaries when it comes to helping animals and we are encouraging neighbors and communities alike to help make a positive impact—every donation can make a difference.”
Now with more than 470 locations in 34 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.
About Pet Supplies Plus
Pet Supplies Plus is focused on making it easier to get better products for your pet. With over 470 locations in 34 states, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural foods, hard goods and pet services. Headquartered in Livonia, MI., Pet Supplies Plus is ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Annual Franchise 500® list as the Top Full-Service Pet Supplies Franchise for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength, growth rate and system size. For more information visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.
Local Business Owner Russell Herman to Debut First Pet Supplies Plus This Week in Rochester.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Pet Supplies Plus, known as America’s favorite neighborhood pet store, will open seven new locations throughout the Rochester and Buffalo New York area by May 2020. Local Rochester entrepreneur Russell Herman, who has operated PetSaver Healthy Pet Superstores in the area for the past 26 years, is converting six of his stores to Pet Supplies Plus and will build one new store in Webster. Herman made his decision to re-brand as Pet Supplies Plus to provide pet parents with competitive pricing, more selection and unmatched customer service training for his team.
Pet Supplies Plus offers a hassle-free way to find better products for pets, while saving pet parents money and celebrating the fun of pet ownership. The new stores will now offer amenities such as full-service grooming services, self-pet wash stations, knowledgeable pet care team members and carry-out service in which team members carry heavy items to neighbors’ cars. The new Pet Supplies Plus stores opening in the area include:
“Making the conversion to Pet Supplies Plus will allow me to help more needs of every neighbor and I’ll be able to provide more products at a better price,” said Herman. “Pet Supplies Plus provides a strong operational foundation and I’m confident the community will love the new stores and all the amenities we will offer throughout western New York, while still delivering the great services the community expects from my team members.”
Pet Supplies Plus will give pet parents a wide selection of natural pet foods, goods and pet services at low prices and focus on a unique, rich in-store experience for “neighbors” (the term Pet Supplies Plus uses for customers). The stores will also feature grooming and vet services, and knowledgeable and friendly staff. Pet parents are always welcome to shop with their dogs at the store, where knowledgeable team members are on-site to answer questions, offer tips or just get on their hands and knees to play with pets who enter the stores.
Neighbors have access to an experienced and knowledgeable team help them find everything they need. Each team member is extensively trained in the areas of natural and holistic foods and are able to answer a broad range of questions about dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and fish. Shoppers can also take advantage of the free Preferred Pet Club, which offers members regular coupons for products they purchase frequently and monthly specials, resulting in big savings.
Each Pet Supplies Plus store will be hosting a grand opening to celebrate the conversions and opening. Details can be found online at www.petsuppliesplus.com or by following each store’s Facebook page.
About Pet Supplies Plus
Pet Supplies Plus is focused on making it easier to get better products for your pet. With over 460 locations in 33 states, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural foods, hard goods and pet services. Headquartered in Livonia, MI., Pet Supplies Plus is ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Annual Franchise 500® list as the Top Full-Service Pet Supplies Franchise for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength, growth rate and system size. For more information visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.
America’s Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store Signs 81 Agreements in 2019
LIVONIA, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus – the largest independent pet retailer in the United States – announced Wednesday it continues to experience tremendous growth, receiving a total of 81 signed franchise agreements in 2019 to date.
The ‘Minus the hassle’ pet retailer welcomed 32 new franchisees to its system this year, accounting for 53 of the 81 new units sold. Additionally, 11 existing Pet Supplies Plus franchisees reinvested in the business and agreed to build 27 more stores across the country.
States where agreements were signed in 2019 include Texas, New York, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota and California. In fact, the South Dakota and Nevada agreements are brand milestones as the stores will be the first Pet Supplies Plus locations in those states.
“It’s incredibly gratifying to see new franchisees and existing owners continue to invest in our brand,” said Pet Supplies Plus CEO Chris Rowland. “Coming into the year, we thought we set a lofty-but-attainable unit-growth goal for our system, and we surpassed that number by 30 stores. It’s validation that our candidates and current franchisees believe in the value we provide neighbors and their pets.”
A key driver in surpassing the franchise’s projected growth is the ongoing success of converting independent pet store retailers into independently-owned and operated Pet Supplies Plus franchise owners. America’s favorite neighborhood pet store signed two conversions in Florida this year with one already opened. Additionally, the franchise is in the process of converting six stores, all under the same ownership, in upper New York State.
Independent pet retailers know more than anyone in the industry about the pressures of e-commerce and the negative affect it’s having on their purchasing power. This reality has resulted in once-exclusive pet products no longer being available to them and the consolidation of brands within the pet retail industry. That’s why Pet Supplies Plus focuses on helping existing, independent pet retailers and small pet retail chains stay competitive by partnering with them.
These retailers make great franchisees because they’re already passionate about the neighbors and their pets, and they’re accustomed to providing high-touch, convenient service. This combined with the purchasing power, merchandising, marketing, supply chain logistics and other ‘back room’ duties provided by Pet Supplies Plus makes for a winning combination.
Additionally, Pet Supplies Plus offers You Click. We Fetch™, an order-online and pickup in-store program that combines its personal-neighbor experience with the convenience of e-commerce. This omni-channel service allows neighbors to shop with their neighborhood Pet Supplies Plus how and when they want. Pet Supplies Plus is also developing You Click. We Fetch, a buy online and deliver-from-store program for 2020.
Independent pet retailers, existing franchisees and first-time business owners see there is an identifiable path to success with Pet Supplies Plus, given its best-in-class corporate support, competitive AUV average and nation-wide recognition. Most importantly, franchisees are able to focus on doing what they love and loving what they do.
“We’re leaders in this space because we created a neighbor-centric culture around people with an unparalleled passion for pets. Prospects are excited to join our franchise because they understand we ‘Minus the hassle’ for them. We take care of the labor-intensive, back-room duties which gives them the opportunity to interact with neighbors and their pets, build strong sales teams and connect with their local community. That’s why they got into the pet business in the first place, and we’re excited and proud to give them that experience.”
ABOUT PET SUPPLIES PLUS
Headquartered in Livonia, Mich., Pet Supplies Plus is committed to providing pet owners across the country with the best products and services for their pets while also creating a one-of-a-kind, neighborly environment in store and online. With over 460 locations in 34 states, each store has an efficient, easily-navigable layout to minus the hassle of shopping while providing neighbors a wide assortment of high-quality pet foods and supplies.
Most recently, Pet Supplies Plus was named one of America’s Best Customer Service brands by Newsweek Magazine, earning the No. 2 ranking in the “Pet Care” category as determined by an independent survey of more than 20,000 U.S. customers. Additionally, Pet Supplies Plus garnered recognition from Entrepreneur Magazine earlier in 2019, earning multiple rankings on the publication’s prestigious, 40th-annual Franchise 500® list – including No. 1 in the pet-store category for the fifth-straight year and No. 46 overall among all franchise concepts.
More information on the Pet Supplies Plus franchise opportunity can be found at www.petsuppliesplusfranchising.com or by contacting Christine Schultz at (734) 793-6656 or cschultz@petsuppliesplus.com.
FDA Investigating Contaminated Pig Ear Treats Connecting to Salmonella
LIVONIA, Mich. — With the recent announcements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigating contaminated Pig Ear Treats connecting to Salmonella, Pet Supplies Plus is advising consumers it is recalling bulk pig ear product supplied to all locations by several different vendors due to the potential of Salmonella contamination. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Individuals infected with Salmonella should monitor for some, or all, of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Bulk pig ears were distributed to Pet Supplies Plus stores in AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI and WV. Bulk pig ears were stocked in open bins. Prepackaged branded pig ears are not included in this voluntary recall.
To date, 45 individuals in 13 states have been diagnosed with Salmonella related illness. However, none of these cases are confirmed to be a result of purchasing pig ears from Pet Supplies Plus.
Testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed that aging bulk pig ear product in one of our stores tested positive for Salmonella. We have pulled bulk pig ear product from the shelves at all of our stores and have stopped shipping bulk pig ears from our Distribution Center. We are working with the FDA as they continue their investigation as to what caused the reported Salmonella related illnesses.
Consumers who have purchased bulk pig ears should discontinue use of the product and discard it. Consumers who have further questions are welcome to contact our Neighbor Service team at 734-793-6564 between Monday and Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. EDT (excluding holidays).
Pet Supplies Plus is focused on making it easier to get better products for your pet. With over 460 locations in 33 states, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural foods, hard goods and pet services. Headquartered in Livonia, MI., Pet Supplies Plus is ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Annual Franchise 500® list as the Top Full-Service Pet Supplies Franchise for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength, growth rate and system size. For more information visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.
America’s Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store on Track with 2019 Growth Due to ‘Minus the hassle’ Commitment
LIVONIA, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest independent pet retailer known for its ‘Minus the hassle,’ brick-and-mortar customer experience, welcomed 46 new franchise store deals in the first half of 2019.
Twenty-two new agreements represent the 46 locations and Pet Supplies Plus has attracted franchisees from varying backgrounds: former corporate positions, military veterans, entrepreneurs, and even an independent pet store owner who is converting to become a Pet Supplies Plus owner. To further validate the strength of the brand, four franchise brokers, who are most familiar with quality franchise opportunities, have signed on to open their own Pet Supplies Plus stores.
The newly signed stores will be developed across Texas, Florida, California, Michigan, Kentucky and New Hampshire.
Pet Supplies Plus is attracting franchisees from all walks of life because they see that the convenience model and neighbor-centric company culture is validated through the brands strength in 460 locations. With a passion for pets and a fun environment, people want to own and operate a Pet Supplies Plus because it’s a career that doesn’t feel like work. Franchisees join Pet Supplies Plus to gain best in class corporate support, benefit from the impressive AUV average and be a part of the pet industry that reportedly has year over year growth even during periods of economic decline, according to The American Pet Products Association.
“We consistently add 30 stores a year, in part because franchise candidates know our tagline, ‘Minus the hassle,’ also refers to our franchise opportunity,” said Pet Supplies Plus Chief Executive Officer Chris Rowland. “We ‘minus the hassle’ out of business ownership and handle the back-office duties like merchandising, marketing, supply chain, promotions, pricing and managing social media allowing our franchisees to focus on what they love to do – engaging with neighbors (a term Pet Supplies Plus uses for customers) and building strong store teams.”
Steve Murphy currently owns Pet N’ More in Palm Harbor, Fla., and is the second independent business owner to convert his successful pet store into a Pet Supplies Plus. Knowing the ins and outs of the pet retail world, including its challenges with competitive pricing and the pressures of e-commerce, he and his wife Raffaela realized how the extensive support provided by the established franchise would take their business to the next level. The Murphys follow Bill and Sharon Hannon, who converted their 10-year old independent pet store into a Pet Supplies Plus in Pen Argyl, Pa. in 2017, and increased year-over-year sales by 23 percent.
As a franchise broker and one of Pet Supplies Plus’s newest franchisees, Michelle Lambert knows a thing or two when it comes to franchise opportunities; on a daily basis she researches countless franchise concepts and recognizes strong franchise opportunities. Michelle is especially excited to be a part of the Pet Supplies Plus pack because it allows her to be an even greater advocate for causes in which she is actively involved, like Leader Dogs for the Blind.
“The franchise broker community has shown interest and made personal investments in our brand, and that speaks volumes to the credibility of the Pet Supplies Plus franchise offer, corporate support provided and systems we’ve set in place to ensure success in the pet retail industry,” said Rowland.
Additionally, six existing franchisees signed franchise agreements further investing in the trusted brand. These six current franchise agreements account for 22 of the new store deals, with one franchise group committed to adding 15 more locations.
Earlier this year, Pet Supplies Plus ranked No. 1 in the pet store category on Entrepreneur magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500® list for the fifth straight year and No. 46 overall. With 460 stores open in 33 states, PSP is on track to surpass its goal of adding at least 50 stores by year end.
Those interested in learning more about Pet Supplies Plus can speak with the franchise development team to start the process. To find success as a pet store owner, please call 734.793.6656 or visit www.petsuppliesplusfranchising.com.
Pet Supplies Plus is focused on making it easier to get better products for your pet. With over 460 locations in 33 states, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural pet foods, goods and services. Headquartered in Livonia, Mich., PSP ranked No. 46 in Entrepreneur magazine’s 40th Annual Franchise 500® list as the Top Full-Service Pet Supplies Franchise for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate and system size.
For more information about Pet Supplies Plus franchise opportunities, visit www.petsuppliesplusfranchising.com.
America’s Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store Partners with VIP Petcare to Lower Microchipping Services to $7 in Effort to Help Reunite Families with Lost Pets
LIVONIA, Mich. — In an effort to help prevent lost pets and also help them find their way back home, Pet Supplies Plus – the largest and most trusted pet retail franchise in the United States – is pleased to announce it will be celebrating National Pet ID Week (April 14 – 20) by offering discounted microchipping services and name identification tags. During the promotion, pet owners can receive the microchipping service for $7, a fraction of the typical cost, in addition to 50% off ID tags for their pets with a purchase of a pet collar.
During this time, participating Pet Supplies Plus stores nationwide will partner with VIP Petcare to offer microchipping vouchers to customers with any in-store purchase of $30 or more. Neighbors can receive their voucher for discounted microchipping April 14-20, while supplies last, at their nearest Pet Supplies Plus store. To find the nearest Pet Supplies Plus store, visit www.petsuppliesplus.com/Store. To find locations with microchipping services, look for locations with VIP Petcare clinics.
Each voucher is for the special discounted rate and is valid through June 3, 2019. Normally, microchipping services at Pet Supplies Plus retail for $19, an already reduced rate compared to traditional microchipping services that range anywhere from $25 – $75.
With the American Humane Association stating about 10 million pets go missing or are stolen each year, it’s critical for pet owners to understand their best defense against this is microchipping. To help ensure pet owners are well-informed about the process, Pet Supplies Plus has included some essential reasons why the procedure is beneficial:
“Our neighbors and their pets are like family whether they’re in our stores or around our communities, so we feel strongly about investing in their well-being,” said Chris Rowland, Chief Executive Officer of Pet Supplies Plus. “It’s truly unfortunate when we hear of situation where a pet is lost so we’re working to increase the chances of pets reuniting with their families in such an event. It’s absolutely necessary that our neighbors have affordable access to microchipping and pet ID tag services, and hope that our partnership with VIP Petcare boosts microchipping rates nationwide.”
Now with more than 450 locations in 33 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.
Pet Supplies Plus is focused on making it easier to get better products for your pet. With over 450 locations in 33 states, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural foods, hard goods and pet services. Headquartered in Livonia, MI., Pet Supplies Plus is ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Annual Franchise 500® list as the Top Full-Service Pet Supplies Franchise for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength, growth rate and system size. For more information visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.