From retail to grooming: Pet players expand store networks

Various pet companies are expanding their physical presence with new retail stores, grooming outlets, wellness centers and multi-service locations across Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.

Fressnapf | Maxi Zoo

Fressnapf | Maxi Zoo has opened a new urban store in Paris, marking its 500th location in France and bringing its total store count across the group’s European network to 3,000.

The move follows the launch of the retailer’s urban store concept in Germany on 20 August.

According to the European specialty pet retailer, France is one of Fressnapf | Maxi Zoo’s key growth markets, with more than 60 outlets added in the country in 2025. Alongside Italy and Poland, France plays a central role in the group’s expansion across Europe, the retailer says.

In 2025, the group added 195 stores to its network and plans to establish more than 150 further sites in 2026.

“Our stores remain a central part of our business model, complemented by a growing online offering and convenient services such as Click & Collect and Quick Commerce. Together, this gives our customers more choice in when, how and where they shop with us,” says Matt Simister, CEO of Fressnapf Group.

ZooRoyal

German pet retailer ZooRoyal, part of REWE Group, has announced plans for 8 new specialty stores across Germany. A location in Halle is scheduled to open before the end of 2026, followed by 7 stores in 2027: 2 in Bielefeld and 1 each in Heppenheim, Hildesheim, Leipzig, Mannheim and Osnabrück. Further locations are being considered. 

The announcement follows the retailer’s recent opening in Düsseldorf and builds on its nationwide store rollout, launched after testing 4 pilot stores in the Hamburg area. 

ZooRoyal is also expanding its shop-in-shop network, which consists of dedicated pet supply sections within supermarkets and DIY stores. It currently operates 89 such sections: 69 in grocery stores and 20 in stores operated by toom, REWE Group’s DIY and home improvement chain. 

The company plans to introduce the concept in most existing REWE Center stores and gradually extend it to almost all toom stores over the coming years.

Skiptown

US-based dog care franchise Skiptown has signed a 5-unit development agreement for the greater Austin area, marking its planned entry into Texas. The first site is expected to launch in fall 2027, with 4 further locations planned.

The franchisees will initially target northern Austin, with North Austin, Cedar Park and Pflugerville among the areas being considered. The remaining sites will target other fast-growing communities in the market.

Following the first launch, the operators aim to add a site approximately every 18 months.

Skiptown provides dog daycare, boarding, walking, bathing and grooming, supported by a mobile app for bookings and customer communications. The brand has locations in Charlotte, North Carolina; Denver, Colorado; and Atlanta, Georgia, with further franchise sites under development in North Carolina, Colorado and Texas.

Heads Up For Tails

In September, Indian pet retailer Heads Up For Tails opened 4 new locations across 4 states, expanding its presence across the country.

The outlets, which combine pet retail and spa services, are located in Ludhiana, Punjab; Gurugram, Haryana; Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra; and Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu.

The new stores are part of the company’s wider growth strategy in India as it seeks to reach more pet owners. Founder Rashi Narang says the company aims to reach at least 250 stores by the end of 2027.

Founded in 2008, Heads Up For Tails currently operates more than 100 stores in India and Singapore, offering over 13,000 products from more than 250 brands. It provides grooming through more than 70 spas across 18 cities and serves over 1 million customers.

Petstock

Petstock, the pet retail business majority-owned by Woolworths Group, has added 2 stores: Petstock Frankston on McMahons Road in Melbourne’s south-east and Petstock Aura at the Aura Home & Life Centre in Baringa on the Sunshine Coast. These two openings take the company’s Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) footprint to more than 250 locations.

Both sites combine pet products with services such as grooming, puppy school, DIY dog washing, pet adoption, pet ID tags and aquarium water testing.

Petstock was founded in Victoria, Australia, in 2002.

Pet Supplies Plus

US-based pet retail franchise Pet Supplies Plus has opened 2 branches in Cape Coral, Florida, and Brookhaven, Georgia.

The outlets stock products for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish and small animals, alongside grooming, self-service pet wash stations and carry-out assistance. Customers can also use 1-hour curbside pickup and receive free same-day delivery on online orders.

Pet Supplies Plus carries more than 11,000 products from 400 brands through more than 725 locations in the US. The company describes itself as the country’s largest pet retail franchise.

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming

With a new store in Florham Park, New Jersey, and another planned in Rockville, Montgomery County, Maryland, specialty pet retail and professional grooming franchise Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is adding 2 new locations to its portfolio. 

The locations’ offerings include personalized dog grooming, including full and mini grooms, luxury baths, walk-in services and specialty treatments, alongside gourmet treats and premium, all-natural pet food.

The Florida-based pet care franchise was founded in 2007 and currently has more than 350 locations either open or under development.

Hollywood Feed

Pet food and supply retailer Hollywood Feed launched a new store in Hudson Oaks, Texas, and also debuted in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The 2 openings follow the retailer’s August launch in Aiken, South Carolina.

The retailer’s 4,500-square-foot Hudson Oaks outlet carries pet food, treats and supplies, with 2 self-wash dog stations available to customers. Its 5,100-square-foot Baton Rouge store offers a similar range, plus free curbside pickup and same-day delivery for eligible orders.

The Hudson Oaks opening marks Hollywood Feed’s 36th store in Texas and its 28th in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, further strengthening its presence in the state.

Tractor Supply

Rural lifestyle group Tractor Supply has opened 2 new stores in Fruitland, Maryland, and Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania.

According to the American retailer, both locations offer a wide range of pet care, gardening, and DIY products, alongside self-service Pet Wash stations equipped with elevated wash bays, grooming tables, shampoos, brushes, combs, towels, a waterproof apron and a professional dryer.

As of June, Tractor Supply operated 2,463 stores across 49 states. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, the company opened 28 new stores and 3 new Petsense by Tractor Supply locations. 

Scenthound

Dog grooming and wellness franchise Scenthound opened a new wellness center in Pleasant Grove, Utah, in September, providing preventive care focused on 5 core areas of canine health: skin, coat, ears, nails and teeth.

The new center serves pet owners in Pleasant Grove and surrounding Utah County communities, including American Fork, Lindon, Cedar Hills, Highland, Lehi and Orem.

Scenthound is also set to open a new location in Henderson, Nevada, in late October. The center will provide grooming and hygiene services to support dogs’ overall health and well-being between veterinary visits.