Arcaplanet-Fressnapf deal (I): big expansion ambitions and sustainability goals

After German group Fressnapf recently acquired pet retailer Arcaplanet, GlobalPETS looks at how the Italian company is doing and the future ambitions of the Genova-headquartered business.

Strong retail presence

Arcaplanet boasts 500 stores nationwide and targets to double this number within the next few years. In 2023, it served 2 million customers and consolidated its position in its domestic pet market.

According to recent data, the Italian pet retailer’s online business is the second most popular after German e-commerce player Zooplus.

The company successfully leveraged its strong growth via its online retail channel by introducing a smartphone app last year to boost sales. The platform allows customers to shop online, make repurchases and use coupons and personalized offers using Arcacard, its customer loyalty scheme.

Expanding Arcaplanet’s footprint

The Italian retailer has been quick to expand its Italian footprint. In early 2023, it opened 18 new locations in Sicily, 8 of which were in the island’s capital, Palermo. Now, Arcaplanet is working on plans to expand its pet grooming service locations to 100 by the end of 2024.

“We believe we could reach 200 more stores within the next 5 years in southern Italy,” CEO Nicolò Galante said in an interview with GlobalPETS last year.

The retailer aims to have 1,000 stores nationwide over the next 7 years. According to Galante, that number “would cover Italy pretty well.” The goal for now is to reach 700 by 2026.

Sustainability

The retailer aims to implement recycled and recyclable packaging across 60% of its private-label dry food brands by the end of 2024.

Last year, Arcaplanet undertook a process to reduce its environmental emissions by around 50% and by launching a “new generation” of stores aimed at reducing energy consumption.

“We are trying to achieve a positive environmental outcome by involving our customers in our social impacts,” admitted Galante in his keynote at the GlobalPETS Forum 2024 in Venice, adding, “Rather than doing social good on their behalf, we could have a real social and environmental impact if we guarantee customer participation in sustainability through sustainable consumption.”