An industry expert explains why these locations may have been challenging for the pet retailer to continue to support.
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The pet-supplies industry is under pressure.
Big chains that built their businesses on shoppers walking the aisles are now closing locations as customers turn to online retailers for food, litter, and supplies.
For years, online retailers have chipped away at big-box pet chains such as Petco and PetSmart, winning over shoppers who would rather have a bag of dog food delivered than haul it home.
That reality may be affecting physical stores.
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In July, PetSmart closed its only San Francisco location, redirecting the store’s customers to its Daly City location.
The company told Inc. that because more customers are choosing online ordering, auto-ship, and same-day delivery, it’s “expanding fulfillment capabilities” at its Daly City location.
“Closing a store is never a decision we take lightly, and after carefully evaluating several factors, including the location’s long-term viability, we made the difficult decision to close this store,” a spokesperson said.