Market Focus: Chicago

Chicago

Chicago is home to a vibrant pet community. The city is the birthplace of large chains, such as Kriser's and Bentley's Pet Stuff, as well as a thriving independent community. Currently at 60 single store independent pet specialty locations, the total Chicago store count has grown by 15 in the past four years

The growth of the pet industry has continued year after year, and many pet retailers have noticed the increasing number of retailers joining the marketplace.

AdreAnne Tesene with Two Bostons spoke about the current growth status of the marketplace and how it has created a healthy, competitive market.

“There are a ton of pet retailers in the Chicago area. One might think this is a negative thing, but it certainly pushes all of us to be playing at the top of our game,” she said.

IPP

Founded by Jeff David, Mike Foss and Ted Root, Independent Pet Partners (IPP) is the parent company of four store brands located across the US. Created to help independent pet retail brands further succeed in the pet industry, IPP uses its expertise to promote its acquired pet stores while keeping the components that made them flourish and succeed in the beginning intact. Loyal Companion, Kriser’s, Natural Pawz and Chuck and Don’s are the four stores under IPP, but each operate independently and in their own unique way.

There are currently 15 Kriser’s Natural Pet stores in the Chicago marketplace. The company has more than 1,400 employees and several in-store service options available to pet parents. Select locations have grooming, daycare, training and veterinary services. Kriser’s curates high-quality products and supplies, and its staff is well-educated and readily available to give pet parents advice.

Pet Supplies Plus

Pet Supplies Plus was founded in 1988, and now has 24 locations in Chicago. There are approximately 580 stores throughout the US. The company has remained focused on expanding and growing the company and looking for franchise opportunities.

“Chicago is a fantastic market for what Pet Supplies Plus offers and we’ve been able to grow our brand presence throughout the area,” said a Pet Supplies representative. “While we’ve already established a strong footprint in much of the Chicago area, there is still availability to grow in specific neighborhoods. Pet Supplies Plus is proof that local retail works when it is powered by a passion-driven franchise owner, backed by a large organization with corporate locations and the ability to provide top-of-the-line processes and services for all. We’re excited about the continued strengths of the pet retail industry and are on track to sign 100 new store agreements by year end throughout the US.”

“We’ve seen this across the board among millennials and the new age pet owner: they are putting off having kids and want to experience life with their pet as their sidekick,” the representative continued. “From attending parties together, brunching, running races or walking the farmers markets, it’s not unusual to walk anywhere throughout Chicago and not see people paired up with their pet. Pet parents in Chicago want more for their pets, better health products, ingredients and high-end grooming options. Wellness habits and r Cont'd on Pg. 12

r From Pg. 10 health-conscious decision making is top of mind for pet owners. They want to see specialty foods, natural and organic options that they have already researched online, available in their local stores.”

PetPeople

With a special interest in high-quality, nutritional foods and pet products, Mike and Trish Elkind founded PetPeople Enterprises to ensure pet parents are getting the best options for their pets.

There are six locations in the Chicago area, and all have a dedication to providing pets with the best foods, natural products and well-educated staff members. The company started when the Elkinds purchased three PetPeople locations in Columbus, OH in 2000. From there the company continued to expand from the Midwest to the East Coast.

Since 2018, Carrie McDermott has been the CEO of PetPeople, and according to her, the company has a priority on remaining current and keeping up with the ever-changing market.

“It’s so important because that’s what change forces you to do, is to look at new ways to improve and be better while making sure you’re keeping up with the customer demand and keeping the customer need always in front of you— whoever your customer is; whether it’s your reader of a newspaper or the pet parent,” McDermott told Pet Insight in a previous interview.

The retailer currently has 75 brick and mortar store locations. PetPeople has continued to focus on expansion and growth, and in doing so, building a strong, irreplaceable team that can match that growth.

Aeslin Pup Hub

Aeslin Pup Hub was founded in 2016 by Leah Bindig. There are three locations in the Chicago marketplace, and each has a focus on daycare, boarding and grooming services. According to the company, each service is tailored and designed based on the individual needs of each pet. Alongside these services, Aeslin carries healthy, all-natural pet supplies in-store. The company prioritizes carrying several made-in Chicago product lines such as toys, treats and apparel.

The founding story of the company began when Bindig dug deeper into what she was passionate about and realized that spending he day with dogs was the answer. She followed her passion and started looking for dog daycare jobs. She was hired in 2011 and absorbed as much knowledge about the industry as she could, everything from pet retail to daycare and overnight boarding. According to Bindig, she learned what was important and what wasn’t, which later helped her apply that knowledge and those experiences to her own boarding facility.

In 2015, Bindig was able to finally begin working on her dog daycare facility, but quickly realized there were a lot more obstacles she had to overcome before her dream became a reality. She decided to open a pet retail store, and a year later was able to open a dog daycare and grooming store. Ten months later, she opened a daycare and boarding facility.

“What started as one small store now has grown to several,” Bindig said. “Much of our growth is definitely attributable to hiring amazing people who share the same core values about pets and pet owners.”

Two Bostons

Two Bostons was founded by Andy and AdreAnne Tesene 15 years ago. There are currently four locations in the Chicago marketplace. The pet retailers have helped more than 100,000 families find the right products for their pets while helping educate them along the way. The company customizes recommendations and advice in order to find pet owners the best item or food solution for their pet’s individual needs. AdreAnne Tesene with Two Bostons said, “When we opened almost 17 years ago, there weren’t many stores like ours around. What enticed us is this is where we lived. We are truly a local family-owned business.” “Pet parents in this area are well educated and are curious about what it takes to make the best decisions for their pets,” Tesene continued. “They ask great questions and are open to suggestions to change things up if needed. Our loyal customers understand the importance of supporting local business, but also require shopping convenience because they are busy people. They enjoy attending our events, both in-person and virtually. We need to be able to offer both options moving forward.”

“We have a plan for continued growth, but right now we are focused on fully staffing our current locations and ensuring all of our teams are strong and solid before adding any additional requirements to any of our schedules,” Tesene said.

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