Pet Supplies Plus expands footprint with 40-store acquisition

Pet Supplies Plus is extending its reach by buying 40 stores from a failed competitor. 

The specialty pet food and supplies retailer will acquire and rebrand an estimated 40 stores throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia that were previously operated by Pet Valu. 

Some of the acquired stores will reopen with Pet Supplies Plus branding, products and services as early as January, 2021. According to company executives, the former Pet Valu stores will be a mix of corporate and franchisee-owned Pet Supplies Plus locations. 

In November, Pet Valu announced it was shutting down its U.S. operations, including its 358 stores and website.

"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 VP of franchising and store operations for Pet Supplies Plus, which operates more than 500 stores in 35 states. "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."

Russo said the company is seeking qualified franchise partners to be the face of Pet Supplies Plus for many of these locations. 

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. 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.

Pet Supplies Plus is known for its welcoming neighborhood environment, where employees 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 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 two-hour curbside pickup.