PAWTUCKET, RI — Rumford Pet Express is acquiring four former Pet Valu locations in Rhode Island.
The stores are located in Barrington, Cumberland, Middletown and Wakefield. Rumford has five established locations in Attleboro, East Providence, North Kingstown, Smithfield and Warwick.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the many Pet Valu associates these communities have come to know and love into the Rumford Pet family,” said Michael Baker, fourth-generation owner of Rumford Pet Express, said in a press release.
“Supporting our neighborhoods and driving growth in the pet industry is something we have been active and passionate about for decades.”
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Team members are the heart of Rumford and are devoted pet lovers specially trained to help pet parents find the best nutrition and products for their beloved pets,” said Michael Squatrito, executive vice president of Rumford. “We’re also deeply committed to supporting local animal welfare groups and programs across the state through food donations, vaccination clinics and in-store adoption events.”
Founded in 1936, Rumford is the largest pet specialty retailer in Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts, according to the release.
Pet Valu U.S. in November announced plans to wind down its operations “due to severe impact from COVID-19.” The company said it would shut down all of its 358 stores and warehouses in the Northeastern and Midwestern U.S. as well as its corporate office in Wayne, PA.
Pet Valu U.S. licensed its name and contracts for certain services from Pet Valu Canada, which is a separate company based in Markham, Ontario, and was not impacted by the winddown.
Pet Supplies Plus announced in December that it would acquire an estimated 40 previously operated Pet Valu locations throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Some locations were to reopen with Pet Supplies Plus branding, products and services as early as January.