German Kölle Zoo to expand to Belgium in autumn

German pet retailer Kölle Zoo is expanding into Belgium with the opening of a 1,200-square-meter store in Sankt Vith, 170 km from Brussels. 

The move marks the launch of its first franchise concept and the additional company’s entry into the international market.

“With the new franchise model, we are pursuing the goal of sustainable growth through strong regional partnerships and further expanding our presence. The opening in Belgium marks a significant milestone,” says the Schwieberdingen-based company.

Sebastian Haep, a retail entrepreneur active in Belgium and Luxembourg, is the franchise partner for the new location.

“As a specialty pet retailer, Kölle Zoo stands for quality, genuine commitment to animal welfare and a seamless, thoughtfully designed customer experience, every bit of it at the highest level,” Haep tells GlobalPETS in an interview.

“We also share the same philosophy of running a business: with integrity, passion, and a drive to keep evolving without ever compromising on our principles,” he adds. 

Not another ordinary store

Kölle Zoo’s expansion aligns with evolving consumer expectations in Belgium’s pet retail market. According to Haep, they aren’t opening just another “ordinary” pet store in Belgium, but setting a new standard for “what a modern pet retail concept can and should be.”

“Kölle Zoo is about far more than selling products, and that’s precisely the mindset we want to plant in the Belgian market,” he notes. 

Haep also sees significant opportunity in Belgium for a pet retail concept that goes beyond food, accessories and basic services. He believes the market is ready for a more experiential approach, one that offers emotional brand engagement, expert guidance and added value for both pets and their owners.

Founded in 1969, Kölle Zoo currently operates 24 stores in Germany and Austria, along with an online channel.