European retailers launch specialized pet care store concepts

Pet care is continuously evolving across European retail, with Carrefour introducing a dedicated in-store section across its supermarket network in Poland and Tom&Co expanding its para-pharmacy range across Belgium, France and Luxembourg. 

In-store section

Carrefour Polska is expanding its pet care offering by launching a new retail concept that expands its product selection to more than 2,500 products, including nearly 1,000 new items, in a dedicated section.

According to the supermarket chain, the new “Zookątek” pet care concept was created for customers seeking basic pet food and hygiene products, as well as pet owners looking for convenience and a wide selection of professional and veterinary-quality products in one place.

The retailer told GlobalPETS that it is making the new assortment concept standard in every newly opened Carrefour store. “As an ongoing strategic transformation, Zookątek will continue to evolve alongside changing customer expectations and market developments,” it says.

1,000 new products

The range includes pet treats in various formats, health and hygiene products, toys and accessories, and specialty, veterinary and premium pet food from brands such as Josera and Royal Canin.

The products are available for cats and dogs, as well as small animals, including rodents, birds and aquarium fish.

“Our approach reflects not only increasing consumer awareness of pets’ diverse needs but also the growing trend of treating pets as family members. This translates into strong demand for a broader range of products,” the Polish branch of Carrefour says. 

Future plans

The retailer plans to add new products, including specialist solutions and offerings from niche Polish manufacturers. 

It also aims to expand its private-label portfolio within the concept. “These products undergo rigorous quality and ingredient verification processes and provide customers with high-quality pet nutrition at an affordable price point,” it says.

Carrefour Polska operates around 900 locations in Poland across 6 formats: hypermarkets, supermarkets, wholesale, discounters, convenience and specialist stores. It also operates an online channel.

The company owns a network of 20 shopping centers in Poland as well as 40 gas stations. It is a subsidiary of French multinational retailer Carrefour Group, which operates around 14,000 locations across more than 40 countries.

Pharmacy concept

In August, Belgian pet retailer Tom&Co also renewed and expanded its para-pharmacy section across its network, offering specialized pet health products ranging from veterinary diets and care products to nutritional supplements.

Through this concept, the retailer is bringing products previously found mainly online into its stores, making them regularly available on store shelves. The para-pharmacy section now includes the Royal Canin Veterinary range for dogs and cats, as well as Tom&Co’s own vet-approved pet care brand, Purviso.

The assortment is complemented by store advisors who undergo ongoing training through the Tom&Co Academy to provide tailored advice. The company’s expertise has also been strengthened through 2 years of collaboration with a team of veterinarians in Belgium and France.

Rising demand for specialized care

Anna Mao, Chief Procurement and Supply Chain Officer at Tom&Co, told GlobalPETS that the launch follows growing demand for specialized products.

The para-pharmacy section is also complemented by Vet Corner, which offers veterinary diet products and was piloted in 2 stores in May. 

“By combining Para Corner and Vet Corner, we aim to create in-store spaces that meet today’s consumer expectations for both quality and specialization,” says Mao. 

Founded in 1991, Tom&Co operates more than 200 locations across Belgium, France and Luxembourg. It also operates an e-commerce site offering a click-and-collect service. Beyond its retail offering, the company also provides pet care services, including grooming salons and self-service dog wash stations.