LIVONIA, MI — Pet Supplies Plus announced that it will acquire an estimated 40 previously operated Pet Valu locations throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Some locations will reopen with Pet Supplies Plus branding, products and services as early as January, according to a press release.
News of the conversions comes after Pet Valu announced last month 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,” according to the release. Pet Supplies Plus operated more than 500 stores in 35 states.
The former Pet Valu stores will be a mix of corporate and franchisee-owned Pet Supplies Plus locations, according to company executives. The 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 build out expenses vs. building a brand new brick and mortar location,” according to the release.
“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 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 said Pet Supplies Plus is expected to open an estimated 100 new stores in 2021, including the previously operated Pet Valu stores obtained. This more than doubles the number of stores opened in 2020.
“We chose locations where we knew Pet Supplies Plus will make the biggest positive impact, especially for pet parents who need a community retailer to depend on for their pet needs,” said CEO Chris Rowland. “We’re honored to provide these neighborhoods with a large assortment of quality pet products and services with knowledgeable team members ready to help make pet ownership easier.”