Ontario-based specialty pet retailer Ren’s Pets has opened its newest location in Toronto’s Liberty Village area, with more openings on the docket for the near future.
Liberty Village marks the 36th store in the chain, which was recently acquired by Quebec-based Legault Group. Legault also owns the Mondou chain of stores which is based entirely in Quebec.
Retail Insider was in attendance of the grand opening of the new store at 99 Atlantic Avenue this month. The event included representatives from Ren’s Pets, the Legault Group, in addition to a number of national suppliers and industry partners.
“The urban concept is very exciting for Ren’s,” said Larissa Wasyliw, VP Ecommerce & Marketing at Ren’s Pets. “It allows us to introduce a smaller footprint store into more densely populated markets where there is a big pet community, leveraging our ecommerce capabilities.”
“Our plan is to expand our network of urban concept stores across Toronto, with Liberty Village being the first. Already, it’s off to a very successful start with pet parents and their pets visiting the store for their food, treats, toys, and more. We’ve added special products like strollers that are geared towards a more city-type customer, which have been a hit in the first week of business. We also have ipads set up for order to home, along with a big click n collect pick up section to make it easy for customers to pick up online orders.”
With Ren’s Pets being acquired earlier in 2021 by the Legault Group, the short term plans are still being finalized and adapted.
“The transaction is still quite new, and the opportunities are still developing for next year as we settle into our partnership,” Wasyliw said. “However, we know Groupe Legault will allow us continue the success of the brand that we’ve been cultivating for over 40 years.”
“While Ren’s and Mondou will continue to run as separate brands, there will be a high level of collaboration to share best practices between the two groups. Groupe Legault’s support will allow Ren’s to remain flexible, agile, and pursue an even faster growth strategy.”
CEO Scott Arsenault brought the focus of the event to the team many times during the opening remarks. The ability to expand during a pandemic; staffing, procurement of product and securing a long-lasting supply chain, and creating a neighbourhood experience with the backing of a supportive ownership group.
When we asked about what ‘teamwork’ means to the goals of the brand, Wasyliw said that the growth potential doesn’t stop on motivational signage.
“The sky is the limit! We’re really looking forward to Groupe Legault building a Canadian pet powerhouse in retail with their family of brands, including Ren’s Pets and Mondou. We know they support our vision of growing the Ren’s brand through stores and ecommerce, to be the premier specialty pet retailer and dominate the category. We share common values, which benefits both the business and also pet parents.”
“Ren’s will continue to be a high growth, innovative pet supply company providing premium food, treats, and toys for your pet’s best life. Our goal is to continue to build stores, develop our ecommerce business, and serve pet parents so their pets have happy, healthy lives.”
Related Retail Insider Articles
- Ren’s Pets Acquired by Legault Group
- Ren’s Pets Expanding in Canada with Multiple Store Openings: Interviews
- Ren’s Pets Bringing Urban Concept to New Liberty Village Location in Toronto
Photos from Ren’s Pets at Liberty Village
