Industry Retail Products Pet food and products Founded 2011 CEO Ryan Cohen (2011–) Founders Michael Day, Ryan Cohen | Area served United States Website Official website Headquarters Dania Beach Type of business Private | |
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Chewy (sometimes referred to as Chewy.com) is an online retailer of pet food and other pet-related products based in Dania Beach, Florida. The company offers around 30,000 items for dogs and cats. In addition to its headquarters in Florida, Chewy also maintains fulfillment centers in Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. It was founded in 2011 and receives financial backing from Volition Capital.
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History
Chewy was founded as Mr. Chewy in September 2011 by Ryan Cohen (CEO) and Michael Day (CTO). The company was started with an initial investment of $50,000. Day's original vision was to open a no-kill animal shelter but felt that starting a business would allow him to better assist shelters currently in existence. The company donates a portion of each purchase to select animal shelters.
In March 2012, the company estimated a total yearly revenue of around $25 million, despite actually losing money in its first half year. Between 2012 and 2014, however, traffic to the website increased by 500%. Because most orders originated on the east coast of the United States, the company's only warehouse was located in Pennsylvania. In August 2013, Chewy's headquarters moved to their current home on the third floor of the Design Center of the Americas in Dania Beach, Florida. The company occupies about 70,000 square feet of office space in the complex.
In 2014, Chewy received an undisclosed amount of funding from Boston-based growth equity firm, Volition Capital. In July 2014, Chewy purchased a former Toys "R" Us warehouse and distribution center near Sparks, Nevada. The company would go on to hire former employees and executives from companies like Amazon, PetSmart, Whole Foods Market, and Wayfair. By 2015, the company employed over 1,200 staffers and offered around 30,000 items.
Products and operation
Chewy offers over 30,000 pet products, largely for dogs and cats. Its primary product is pet food, and it offers a range of options from gourmet to discount food. Other products include leashes, grooming tools, toys, strollers, and numerous others. Delivery for purchases over $49 is free. Customers can also opt for scheduled food deliveries. Orders can be placed online or by phone. A portion of all purchases is donated to no-kill animal shelters.
The company also employs artists and writers who are tasked with composing hand-written notes for all new purchases. Artists also paint detailed images of customers' pets.