South African pet retailer Petshop Science accelerates sales as market size expands
Pet ownership is rising in South Africa, and the retailer has seized the opportunity. GlobalPETS speaks with the company.
A booming population of pet parents in South Africa has proven positive for pet retailer Petshop Science.
The firm, owned by retailer corporation Shoprite Group, has opened 135 stores in 4 years. In the second half of 2024, it opened 42 new shops in strategically selected locations to cope with the high demand.
“Leveraging the Shoprite Group’s extensive supply chain and economies of scale allows us to deliver specialist-level products at supermarket prices,” Willem Hunlun, Shoprite’s Chief Operating Officer, tells GlobalPETS.
Hunlun notes they are “proud of the strides” made and remain committed to “making pet care more accessible and affordable for all South Africans.”
Rapid growth
Petshop Science’s sales grew by 56.9% in the second half of 2024. Shoprite Holdings does not break down financial results specifically for its pet retail business, but it highlights the key role that the portfolio plays in driving growth.
The pet retailer says its offering thrives on a “meticulously curated” range of everything pet parents need, including premium nutrition and grooming, wellness, bedding, toys and hygiene products. This includes a mix of locally and internationally sourced products sold at affordable prices.
Looking ahead, the expansion of both the company’s footprint and offerings is planned.
Gap in the market
Petshop Science is often found adjacent to Shoprite’s other retail brands, such as UNIQ Clothing and Checkers, combining clothing, baby, outdoor and pets.
Shoprite’s entry into the pet retail space was driven by demand for affordable, high-quality pet care. Petshop Science has grown organically since it launched in 2021.
“We saw a gap in the market to democratize pet care by making premium pet food and other veterinary-approved essentials available at supermarket prices,” says Hunlun. “Our goal was to disrupt a category traditionally dominated by specialist vet stores and offer South Africans a value-driven, convenient alternative.”
The pet care market in South Africa is worth around R8 billion ($424M/€373M) annually, with more than 22 million pets, and Petshop Science says ownership is being driven by millennials choosing pets over traditional parenthood, creating unprecedented demand for accessible and premium pet care solutions.
Other players
Absolute Pets is the largest pet retailer by number of stores. It has more than 150 locations and was acquired by Woolworths Holdings Limited (WHL) in 2024 following approval of the acquisition by the South African competition regulator. WHL already offers a range of pet products in its Woolworths stores.
“Pet care is a fast-growing business and is also important to Woolies customers,” Roy Bagattini, WHL Group CEO, said in April last year. “Woolies pet parents see their pets as integral family members, and our teams are excited to get to work on delivering on the opportunities this partnership will provide through even more exceptional quality products and service to even more customers.”
Other participants in the South African pet retail space include locally owned Petworld, with 9 physical stores and an online retail operation, and US firm Petland on the East Coast.
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