Shopping Centers Today is the news magazine of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Issue link: https://sct.epubxp.com/i/122387
r e t a i l i n g t o d a y animal house PET VALU OFFERS ITS CUSTOMERS A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ANIMAL CARE P By Misty Milioto et Valu carries just about anything a pet owner might ever need or want — except the pet. but assuming the animal itself is a given, Pet Valu stores are there, ready to help, with nearly 7,000 products for dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles and so on. and yet Pet Valu is more than merely a pet-products store. Many of the 136 SC t / M A y 2 0 1 3 shops include pet-adoption areas, and some boast a Groomingdale's pet salon. Given such specialties and niceties, the temptation to believe that pets are people too is understandable. "We create a dynamic environment filled with weekend events, and, in select stores, based on size, we have beautiful self dog-wash stations that are a fun activity for the whole family," said Pet Valu ceo tom McNeely. the company has evolved significantly since its origins in 1976 as a discount pet retailer in toronto, it seems. today Pet Valu is a specialty retailer that boasts a team of "pet experts" — sales associates certified in pet nutrition through the continuing-education division of the university of california at Davis school of Veterinary Medicine. these employees seek the proper diet for almost any pet — whether an allergy-prone pooch or a finicky cat. Many of the stores carry frozen raw food for an even healthier diet option. Given the company's holistic approach to pet care, customers can get natural supplements, shampoos, medicines and ointments to keep pets healthy from head to tail. "We do not sell any live animals, and [we] do our best to support local animal shelters and rescue groups," McNeely said. "We have incredibly generous customers, and together we have been able to make a large difference with … local groups as well as [with] the u.s. War Dogs association in improving working conditions of military groups and raising awareness of animal cruelty." over the past three years, the company has opened about 40