Livonia, Mich. — Closing its record-breaking growth year on a positive note, Pet Supplies Plus 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 as Pet Supplies Plus as early as January 2021.
News of the conversions comes after Pet Valu announced in November 2020 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.
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 buildout expenses vs. building a brand-new brick-and-mortar location.
“I would like to extend gratitude to the Pet Valu team, who have been nothing but professional and supportive throughout this entire process,” says 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.”
Russo notes 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 says, 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.
Livonia, Mich.-based Pet Supplies Plus has over 500 locations in 35 states. For more information, visit www.petsuppliesplusfranchising.com.
SOURCE: Pet Supplies Plus