A new start

February 2011 was something of a rebirth for the Netherlands-based Discus Group, which was established in 1965. Some members of the organisation chose another direction, because of the agitation within the organisation. The reduction in the number of outlets from 185 originally to 136 led the management of Discus at the time to regard restructuring of the company as indispensable. This realignment finally took place in January and February 2011. Since that time, the new organisation has been called the Coöperative Vereniging Huisdierenspeciaalzaken UA and trades under the name Discus. The company’s new management consists of five members and two commissioners who monitor all the business transactions of the company. Its chairman is Helma Groeneveld-Westhoff. Next to this organisation there is Discus Netherlands B.V. Within this company all the work is done for the organization. “Within this office we provide agreements with suppliers, we service the various private labels, develop the customer brochure, provide store automation, customer service, and more”, says Ferdinand Bennink, director of Discus Netherlands. At this moment the company is run by only 3 people. The goal of the Discus group is now primarily to regain the old complement of 185 stores and establish a total number of 225 stores within the next year, stresses Ferdinand Bennink. It has not been a genuine new beginning, as nothing has really changed in the stores; rather it is the peripheral structure that has been rebuilt. A return to its old strength According to the director, the individual pet stores stand out on account of the widely varying product range: aside from pet food and accessories for all types of pets from about 30 to 40 suppliers, they offer a big selection of angling products ranging from rods and accessories to suitable clothing. Most stores also feature live pets such as fish, birds and small animals. In the pet food segment, the company attaches great importance to its private label range. The distribution of the private label products is handled by Mol Diervoeding B.V. Stores also try to assist their customers with special problems through a network of connections with veterinarians and other specialists. Download: A new start (PDF file)