Formerly called Pet Supplies "Plus" Industry Retail Founders Harry Shallop, Jack Berry | Type Private Number of locations 324 (2015) | |
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Founded June 1988 (1988-June) in
Redford, Michigan,
United States Headquarters Livonia, Michigan,
United States | ||
Pet Supplies Plus, founded in 1988 in Redford, Michigan in the United States, is a privately held pet supply retailing corporation with a major presence in the US. As of 2005, it was the third largest specialty pet food retailer in the US. The company began adding franchise locations in the Midwest, expanding into the northeastern and southern states during the late 1990s. In 2015, Pet Supplies Plus store locations consisted of over 325 stores in 25 states.
Contents
The chain's founders, Harry Shallop and Jack Berry, sought to bring grocery store convenience into the pet supply world. The chain's stores are owned by independent franchisees and company stores. Measuring about 10,000 square feet (930 m2), the stores are focused on being neighborhood pet supply "supermarkets," stocking a very wide selection of pet food and supplies. The stores also have limited livestock departments, and some have also recently added grooming services and self-serve dog washes. The stores make it a point to welcome dogs, cats and other pets to its stores. Pet Supplies Plus considers themselves to be "Americas Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store" In keeping with the neighborly feel, it displays biscuits at "nose level" so dogs can take samples while shopping with their owners. Many locations sponsor adoption events with local animal rescue and humane groups. Pet Supplies Plus currently has their own brand of natural dog food called Redford Naturals, comparable in quality to Blue Buffalo, but sold at a cheaper price.
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History
Pet Supplies Plus was founded in 1988 by Harry Shallop and Jack Berry, in Redford, Michigan. Their store was designed according to the grocery stores model; it was the first pet shop with wide aisles and neat well-stocked display shelves. The stores featured overhead signs, large parking lots, convenient hours, everyday low prices, and helpful staff on the aisles.
This new pet retail concept was a success, and within five years after opening the first store, the founders had opened stores in 30 more locations. Not long after, the two were joined by a third partner, Harvey Solway. In September, 2010, the firm was sold to Irving Place Capital, a private equity group. Day-to-day operations continue to be run by the management team in place before the sale and the company's top managers continue to own a share in the company, while many of the stores are independently owned franchised sites.
Current operations
As of 2015, there are over 325 stores in 25 states, mainly in the eastern half of the United States.
Most of the stores are located in very convenient high-traffic sites with large parking lots. Pet Supplies Plus stores in smaller cities have between 5,000 and 6,000 square feet (560 m2) while those in larger areas can have up to 9,000 square feet (840 m2). The limited square footage, as compared to general retail "big-box" store, gives the advantage of a better distribution system, and holds down costs. Recently, many Pet Supplies Plus stores have added self-serve dog washes and grooming centers to their sites as a customer convenience.
Pets are allowed to walk through the aisles of the Pet Supplies Plus stores. This store provides treats, chew toys and other such products which are located on low shelves making it possible for dogs to reach them.