Zoopark eyes retail expansion opportunities beyond Italy

Italian pet retailer Zoopark is actively considering expansion beyond its borders and is evaluating opportunities in key European markets.

This year, it opened its first store outside Italy, a franchised unit in Budapest, Hungary. A company spokesperson tells GlobalPETS that the new location was launched as part of a “broader international expansion project.”

The Hungarian market has some strong players, including Fressnapf, Alpha Zoo and Zooplus.

The company has also opened an office in Slovakia and says that Poland is one of the markets that may be a strategic fit for expansion. “We are actively exploring the possibility of entering new European markets, prioritizing partnerships that align with our values and long-term vision,” the spokesperson adds.

Strong growth

Zoopark was founded in 2019 with a single store and the goal of building a network of specialized pet markets.

Little more than 5 years later, the retailer operates 21 stores, including 20 in Southern Italy, which are located in areas identified as having strong commercial potential.

It operates a hybrid model that blends the strengths of large-scale retail, specialized pet stores and e-commerce.

Private label

The company’s turnover was approximately €10 million ($11M) in 2024, and it says this is reflective of strong growth in physical stores and the expansion of its private label product line.

Developing a complete catalog of Zoopark-branded products is a key part of the company’s strategy, with a strong focus on everyday essentials. The aim is high-quality, carefully selected products with competitive pricing.

GlobalPETS learned that its most established product lines are Puppy Pads (training pads), as well as leashes, beds, scratching posts, cushions, diapers, wet wipes and a comprehensive range of cat litter products – from natural to bentonite and silica varieties.