The German pet retailer wants to reach the 300-location mark by 2026.
The expansion is focused for now on the current Fressnapf and Maxi Zoo markets, mainly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France and Ireland.
“By the end of 2023, we plan to have over 80 salons in a total of 9 countries,” says Kristina Kain, the retailer’s International Head of Sales and Expansion Salon.
Some of the shops that Fressnapf has in Hungary will start opening grooming salons at the end of 2023. Poland will follow with its first grooming salon in 2024.
The company is also considering expanding the service in some recently expanded markets, such as Luxembourg, Denmark and Belgium. Kain admits that the company only started to expand into those countries in 2023 and is “still collecting insights and learnings.”
An important part of the ecosystem
The German retailer, which entered the grooming business in 2016, has reportedly experienced a sharp increase in demand for pet care services.
Kain confirmed to GlobalPETS that the grooming business is an “important part” of the ecosystem expansion. “From the experience we gained so far, the salons accelerate the business in the market,” she adds, especially in customer loyalty.
To help fill the grooming salons with qualified staff, Fressnapf has established its own salon academy to train and certify groomers.
The latest articles
US: Veterinary revenues on the rise despite fewer visits
As pet visits decline post-pandemic, diagnostic testing emerges as a key driver of veterinary income. GlobalPETS dives into the findings of a new research.
Younger generations in Italy more open to having pets over kids
A recent survey reveals differing attitudes toward pet ownership, travel and spending between younger and older Italian pet owners.
US: pet welfare plays a significant role in home renovation decisions
Owners care for their companion animals by incorporating pet-friendly home upgrades like grooming and feeding stations.
Weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date
Discover what’s happening in the pet industry. Get the must-read stories and insights in your inbox.