Canadian specialty pet retailer Ren’s Pets has announced a continuation of its rapid growth strategy into 2022, which will begin with five new Ontario stores.
The new locations include Orillia, Thunder Bay, Stouffville, Niagara Falls, and Newmarket, ranging from 5900 square feet to 8300 square feet. With these stores starting to open in April, it will bring the total store count for the Legault-owned pet retailer to 43.
“We’re so excited to keep growing the Ren’s Pets brand and adding new stores in amazing communities that are passionate about pets,” said Scott Arsenault, CEO at Ren’s Pets.
“We’ve had several years now of strong growth for our business, and we’re continuing that trend into 2022 with incredible new locations for our customers to visit.”
The 2022 additions to the chain will showcase more than 8,000 products over categories that range from dog & cat food, grooming, treats & toys, and 16 doors of 32-foot walk-in freezers for raw & frozen pet food.
“We know there’s a demand for additional physical locations, based on the extensive research we do and the continued growth of pet,” continues Arsenault. “Pet parents are looking for a strong pet bricks and mortar offering, a place they can come in with their pets and truly be serviced along with doing things like weighing their pet, trying samples, asking for advice from our knowledgeable staff, having fittings for harnesses, collars or clothing, and socializing with other pet folks and their pups.”
Ren’s Pets have shifted their new store design to a community-based environment with add-on digital tools that retail brands are implementing to make up for a lack of foot traffic.
“Ren’s has truly transformed into an omnichannel powerhouse,” shares Larissa Wasyliw, VP of Ecommerce & Marketing at Ren’s Pets. “We’ve seen our ecommerce business grow extraordinarily, but know our stores are just as important to our customers.”
The brand recently added same-day delivery through a partnership with DoorDash and upgrading loyalty rewards programs that incentivize for repeat business.
“There are already a lot of Ren’s Rewards members in our upcoming new markets of Orillia, Thunder Bay, Stouffville, Niagara Falls, and Newmarket that shop with us now in our current stores or on the website,” said Wasyliw. “We can’t wait to show these pet parents that Ren’s is here for your pet’s best life, providing premium food, treats, and toys in their own Ren’s stores in their communities.”
Founded in 1975, the Guelph-based Ren’s Pets was acquired by the Legault Group in August 2021 and has stores in Ontario and the Maritimes.
