Renewed enthusiasm for expansion

The coronavirus pandemic, the war in Ukraine and its consequences, and the increasingly noticeable impact of climate change: we live in a time of immense changes and challenges. And yet the pet sector has so far proven extremely adept at weathering crises in this tricky period. It even withstood a turbulent 2022 without any problems. Manufacturers and retailers are thus looking to the future with confidence.

This is not without reason, for many pet supplies companies have made targeted investments in innovation and have modernised in recent years. They have thereby created new opportunities for growth and strengthened their market position. Some firms have even radically changed their business model and completely restructured.

There is a sense that the pet sector is reinventing itself. It has become more digital, individual and sustainable, with a greater focus on customer orientation. In this issue of PET worldwide, we feature a couple of successful examples of retail groups that have been working on their image and concept in the last few years.

In Croatia, the pet retail group Unconditional has opened its largest Zoocity XXL store, covering over 800 m², as part of a new shopping centre in the town of Kukuljanovo, near Rijeka. The fittings are designed to suit the needs of the customers, according to the chain, contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere and enabling comfort and ease of shopping. The entire space is designed as a comfortable promenade for customers and their pets so they can feel carefree as if in their own home. Every piece of furniture is designed with great attention to detail, to be the best possible match for the purpose, whether it is the bakery corner, veterinary pharmacy, animal living space or anatomically adapted cash register.

It’s also worth taking a look at Ireland, where chic Scandinavian design meets cool industrial look in the newly redesigned Maxi Zoo store in Naas. The store is bright, modern and has a flawless layout. With this innovative store concept Maxi Zoo Ireland wants to set new standards, from furnishings to product range, and offer a customer-friendly shopping experience for both people and their pets.  

Two more eye-catching pet stores have opened in the German metropolis of Hamburg in recent weeks. These, too, demonstrate that many retailers are intent on optimising their brand image. Megazoo Alpha, part of the Fressnapf Group, has opened its third, 1 700 m² pet store in Hamburg, further augmenting its presence in…