Ambitious plans

At the end of February 2011, Pet City had 26 stores in Greece, making it the country’s biggest pet supplies retailer. It was established back in 1988 and remains a family-owned business to this day. The chain offers a full range comprising over 20 000 products and employs 320 people in its stores. 40 of these are ichthyologists and are responsible for the big selection of ornamental fish in the aquatics departments. Aquatics are considered to be one of the chain’s core competences. Pet City’s stores are described as unique and modern, especially the latest additions to the chain at the start of this year: a 1 150 m² store in Psychico, a 750 m² outlet in Argyroupoli and a rather smaller store with a retail area of 450 m² in Gerakas. “One feature common to all the stores,” says Vasia Polydorou, the spokeswoman for Pet City, “is that they are in central locations, with high visibility and consumer traffic.” The 26 stores together have a total retail area of over 45 000 m². For future stores too the maxim applies that none should have retail areas of less than 200 m². Convenience and pleasure “The stores are designed to offer convenience and pleasure to pet owners,” Vasia Polydorou continues. “Specifically, the existence of large aisles and parking areas in combination with the excellent service of our highly trained personnel will make shopping pleasant and time-saving.” The spokeswoman cites the groom-ing and veterinary services offered as further highlights of the stores. Pet City’s plans for further expansion envisage a total of 60 stores in the Athens region by 2016. Download: Ambitious plans (PDF file)