Expansion unleashed at Pet Valu
Speaker Reporter
TEMISKAMING SHORES – The recently expanded Pet Valu store is something to bark about.
Two - and four-legged visitors were impressed with all the space and new items on display at the Timiskaming Square location on July 10.
That’s when the official expansion was introduced, plus the grand opening of Groomingdales pet grooming service was announced.
“It’s the new look of Pet Valu,” said franchise owner Blair Whyte.
“From the customer’s perspective it’s easier to get around… much more wide open” he said, thanks to the store taking over what was for many years known as the People’s Jewellers location in the middle of the mall, making Pet Valu twice as big.
Mr. Whyte, with his partner Marie, has been the franchisee at the Square for 12 years.
Over that time the pet industry has changed dramatically, he noted.
SPECIALIZED PRODUCTS
Where pet stores “started out as basically in competition with grocery stores” to sell dog and cat food, the move now is toward more specialized products.
“It evolved into a holistic, all natural food market about six or seven years ago,” said Mr. Whyte.
“We’re basically out of the grocery business,” he said, thanks to the idea that “pets have evolved into such family members.”
That sentiment was echoed by Jim Young, the vice president of operations for Pet Valu Canada who was in town for the official expansion ceremonies.
“People care better for themselves (these days) and the same thing is happening in the pet industry with their pets.”
Pet Valu has more than 350 stores throughout Canada and safe toys and good food are standard offerings now, he noted.
“It’s the place where people go for pet solutions.”
Mr. Whyte said that is reflected in the stock the store carries.
“There’s a lot more selection and variety,” he said.
Pet Valu is now offering a pet grooming service on site open by appointment, said Mr. Whyte, where they can look after the clipping, washing and combing out of cats and “everything from two pound dogs to 180 pound dogs.”
Pets are always welcome to accompany their owners into the store, said Mr. Whyte.
