A superior shopping experience in Austria

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This new concept is distinguished by large, open pet areas. "We will set new quality standards in the pet supplies trade in these themed stores," declares Megazoo managing director Norbert Marschallinger. In the next few years, Megazoo will establish ten to twelve themed pet stores in Austria. The first store was completed in mid-March in the Shopolis shopping centre and is the biggest speciality pet store in Austria as well as one of the biggest in Europe, with a retail area of 3 100 m². The second outlet, in Kornstraße in Linz-Leonding, is to open in November. Large areas for pets, a pet furniture exhibition and a boutique are expected to feature in this store too. The Leonding store will employ 20 sales staff in all. And two further Megazoo locations have already been determined, according to Norbert Marschallinger. In the next five years, ten to twelve new Megazoos are expected to be opened in Austria, with two stores scheduled for launch each year. The total amount invested in all Megazoo outlets in Austria will be d 15 million. Customers are likely to find a huge selection of products in the Megazoo stores. The product range comprises 25 000 items in all, from standard to high-quality products. Particular importance is attached to the optimum training and motivation of staff too, and to this end they are given expert instruction in how to handle pets and in the sale of pet food, says Norbert Marschallinger. "Optimum pet care and animal welfare are a priority in these themed stores," emphasizes the Megazoo boss. The outlets are being set up and run in close consultation with animal welfare organisations and in compliance with the provisions of the new Animal Welfare Act. A variety of animals In the first Megazoo in Vienna, the two sales floors are connected by two panoramic lifts. Large, open pet areas, enclosures and extensive reptile and aquatic landscapes with plenty of room for the creatures to retreat are a signature feature of the store. A wide variety of species can be seen in an area covering 1 600 m² in all, which offers excellent conditions for the pets. The attractions include giant tortoises, macaws, snakes, Bearded Dragons and koi. The aquariums are a key feature; the Vienna Megazoo has over 200 aquariums with a total water volume of 27 000 litres. An in-house veterinary practice will also be located in the new store. A further highlight of the store is Austria's biggest…