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Walmart is making waves in the pet care industry with its recent announcement to open five more pet services centers in October and early November. These centers, which offer veterinary care and grooming services, are set to expand Walmart’s footprint in the lucrative pet category.
According to Kaitlyn Shadiow, vice president of merchandising for pets at Walmart U.S., the pet category presents a significant growth opportunity for the retail giant. With pet ownership on the rise and household spending on pets expected to reach new heights, Walmart is tapping into a booming market.
The decision to expand the pet services centers comes after the success of Walmart’s first location near Atlanta. Shadiow noted that about 25% of customers had never shopped at Walmart for pet items before, indicating a new customer base for the retail giant.
In addition to providing routine vet care and grooming services, Walmart’s pet services centers will also offer a dedicated entrance next to the store. Staffed by employees of pet care company PetIQ, these centers aim to provide a convenient one-stop-shop for pet owners.
With competitors like Chewy and Petco expanding into pet services, Walmart is entering a competitive but high-demand market. The increase in pet ownership during the Covid pandemic has led to a surge in spending on pets, creating a bigger need for veterinary services.
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