PetSmart expands with new concept stores

PetSmart continues to grow its store portfolio — and is also testing new formats.



The chain opened 20 stores across the U.S. and Canada for the quarter ending October 31, 2016. This adds to the 23 stores it opened in the first and second quarters, bringing the total number for the year to 43 new locations.



Among last quarter’s openings were the PetSmart Pet Spa in Oceanside, N.Y., and PetSmart at the Beach in Toronto, new concept stores where the company is testing innovative ways to combine pet services and an enhanced pet lifestyle experience in a smaller retail footprint. The stores feature a unique, modern design with 5,000-8,000-sq.-ft. footprint, which is smaller than PetSmart’s typical stores, which average approximately 18,000 sq. ft. -20,000 sq. ft.



A first for PetSmart stores, the PetSmart Pet Spa store concept includes a self-service dog wash, a new grooming salon design and a coffee bar-lounge area with complimentary coffee and comfortable seating for pet parents, among other amenities.



“We are excited about our continued growth in key markets across North America,” said Brian Amkraut, senior VP of real estate, strategy and initiatives. “These new stores allow us to build on the continued trend of premiumization in the pet industry. We are able to reach more pet parents by expanding in new growth markets and providing more convenient locations and options to our pet parents.”



In addition to continuing to expand its brick-and-mortar locations, PetSmart recently launched its new and improved web site, which has a mobile-responsive design and a commerce-meets-content experience with key enhancements that reflect feedback from pet parents.



The site includes features including a one-page checkout and new tailored home delivery options such as recurring subscription-based shipping, as well as same-day and scheduled delivery in 16 U.S. markets.