Petlove goes from online-only to opening its first physical store in Brazil
The e-commerce company will focus on shops that are smaller in size than its main competitors Petz and Cobasi.
After 2 years focused on e-commerce, the Brazilian online pet store now wants to gain market share offline and leverage the brand’s growth with neighboring shops around the country.
The first shop was opened in recent weeks in the Moema neighborhood in São Paulo. It encompasses 400 square meters and it has developed a digital concept, integrating in-person and online shopping.
“We wanted our first store to be our face and be able to offer the best experience for pets and parents, always in line with our purpose of transforming the world into a place where all pets are happier and healthier,” Petlove CEO Talita Lacerda told GlobalPETS.
Staff will be equipped with digital devices for better product advice and pet parents will be able to pay anywhere in the shop and there will not be counters because the company wants no distance “between those who serve and those who buy.”
More shops to come
The company expects to open new physical stores throughout 2022, but did not provide a forecasted number. It will invest in the opening of kiosks in two shopping malls in São Paulo, focusing on the sale of apparel, toys, snacks and other pet accessories.
PetLove received a capital injection of 750 million reais ($/€ 140M) in August 2021 in a bid to “democratize and simplify pet care.”
Last year, the company purchased DogHero, which provides services for dog and cat walkers and caregivers, and entered into a partnership with Porto Seguro to launch its pet health plan. It also acquired Vetus, a startup offering a management system for veterinarians, pet shops and hospitals.
The company is now eyeing “unicorn” status for startups that are worth more than $1 billion.
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