CNB Business News: Pet Valu Ends 2016 with 300th Store Opening
Pet Valu Ends 2016 with 300th Store Opening
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Related: CNB Business News
Company’s philanthropic efforts bring in nearly $1.9 million for U.S. War Dogs, VetDogs, animal cancer treatments, pet rescues and adoptions
PHILADELPHIA –Pet Valu opened its 300th U.S. store on December 17, marking a major milestone for the specialty retailer of premium pet foods, supplies and accessories. In recent years, Pet Valu has become one of the largest pet retail operations in North America – and, at a more local level, one of the most active champions for pet care and animal shelters.
Collectively, Pet Valu partners with about 750 animal groups across the country and along with expanding its footprint, the company has seen the proceeds from its fundraising efforts rise 27.5% in 2016.
“The success of Pet Valu as a whole is a testament to the individual relationships that our stores are forming in their communities each and every day,” said Joe Dent, vice president and U.S. general manager for Pet Valu. “We are strongly committed to remaining the friendly, neighborhood pet store where our Pet Experts are on a first-name basis with customers and their pets. So whether it’s the thirtieth or three-hundredth store, we treat each opening like it’s the first at the community level.”
Pet Valu credits much of the success to its partnerships with animal shelters, adoption services and welfare groups as part of the company’s mission is to help local pets in need. Each store partners with at least 2-3 local animal organizations. For example, at the 300th store in New Canaan, CT, Pet Valu’s partner includes Strays and Others, which has helped facilitate adoptions for homeless pets for more than 20 years.
“One of the biggest things to celebrate with each new Pet Valu store is that it helps us raise more awareness and donations for the animal causes we support,” said Dent. “Each year, our fundraising results increase as more and more customers take advantage of the campaigns our stores offer to help local animals in need. We’re lucky to have one of the most generous and big-hearted customer bases in the U.S.”
Demonstrative of the year-over-year success with animal causes, Pet Valu’s recent Thanks for Giving product fundraiser in November raised a total of $178,165 for local animal shelters, marking a $40,000 increase over what was raised in 2015.
Likewise, Pet Valu’s other fundraising activities – for causes such as America’s VetDogs, Patriotic Pets (U.S. War Dogs), Come Clean for Cancer, adoption weekends and litter drives – saw significant increases in donations, totaling $1.9 million for 2016. And, through the company’s adoption facilitation services and promotions, a total of 927 homeless pets were placed in homes.
For more information about Pet Valu, its philanthropic efforts for animals in need or the 300th store in New Canaan, CT, please contact Kristen Zatina or Leanna Bernhard at ([email protected], [email protected] or #410-243-3790) or visit Pet Valu’s website at http://us.petvalu.com/.
ABOUT PET VALU:
Pet Valu is a specialty retailer of premium pet food, treats, toys and accessories. Their pet-friendly stores offer over 7,000 products including holistic and premium brands of pet foods and treats as well as a wide selection of essential and innovative pet supplies to suit every budget. Chain-wide, Pet Valu is dedicated to helping local pets in need and by partnering with local shelters, rescues and charities through national donation drives and fundraising campaigns. Pet Valu employees are Pet Experts and pet lovers, too.