Livonia, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest independent pet retailer in North America with over 600 stores in 39 states, has acquired Wag N’ Wash, an emerging natural pet food, self-wash and grooming franchise with over 15 locations.
Each brand will continue to operate as separate entities, providing pet product knowledge, personalized service and a distinct playful, local shopping experience in their respective communities. All Wag N’ Wash corporate team members will remain at Wag Central and continue to be instrumental in growing the business.
“The acquisition presents mutual benefits for franchisees, neighbors and guests of both brands,” says Pet Supplies Plus CEO Chris Rowland. “Pet Supplies Plus neighbors will see no change and will continue to receive the same neighborly service and access to all the same products for all types of pets. Wag N’ Wash guests will continue to enjoy this fun and passionate brand’s specialty offerings, but now will have access to an even greater assortment of products.”
Chris Rowland, Pet Supplies Plus
Rowland notes that new and existing franchise owners will have the opportunity to open a store under the Wag N’ Wash or Pet Supplies Plus name, depending on what makes most sense for the market.
“Being under the Pet Supplies Plus umbrella company allows Wag N’ Wash to unlock a new level of purchasing power, funding to advance expansion and collective negotiation for strategic placement in territories that may not make sense for a Pet Supplies Plus store,” he says. “Because Wag N’ Wash’s specialty products and services are focused mainly on dogs, Pet Supplies Plus can further develop its presence in current and new markets without interfering with the neighbor’s expectations of our brand.”
Wag N’ Wash’s vice president, Kristen Risby, says the acquisition adds value to all parties involved. “Our owners find joy in serving their communities and pets well,” she says. “Now, they can do this with enhanced resources, such as best-in-class fulfillment and assortment though a collective supply chain, back-office functionality and technology, pricing and cost support and more. It’s a win for everyone from the franchise owners to the guests and their pets.”
Wag N’ Wash original founders Jef Strauss and Dan Remus will remain on for a minimum of 2 years. “As the pet landscape evolves, this will allow the brand to reach its full potential by reaching more guests at a better pace,” Remus says.
Strauss adds, “Culture was very important to us when looking for a partner. Both Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash believes in community, local retail and a fun experience in our stores. This was the right fit. With strong infrastructure behind them, passionate owners can build local relationships and deliver the ultimate experiential retail experience.”
Pet Supplies Plus, a subsidiary of Franchise Group, Inc., has over 600 locations in 39 states. For more information, visit www.petsuppliesplus.com or www.petsuppliesplusfranchising.com.
Wag N’ Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming, a full-line specialty retail destination for cats and dogs, provides fresh-baked dog treats, natural food, supplements, full-service grooming and self-wash facilities and toys. Today, there are over 15 Wag N’ Wash locations open across the nation. For more information, visit https://wagnwash.com.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: To read the March 2021 cover story of Retail & Restaurant Facility Business magazine on Pet Supplies Plus, click here.]
SOURCE: Pet Supplies Plus