Petco Expanding Stores-in-Stores at Lowe’s

After a successful test run in 15 of its stores, Lowe’s Cos. Inc. (Mooresville, N.C.) said it will expand Petco Health + Wellness Co. Inc. (San Diego) stores-in-stores to nearly 300 locations by year-end. Focusing on rural communities, the partners say the expansion offers added convenience to shoppers, providing access to pet supplies and veterinary care along with DIY and Pro customers need for home improvement projects.

“Our initial pilot program with Petco resonated with our existing, loyal shoppers and introduced new customers to Lowe’s,” Bill Boltz, Lowe’s Executive VP of Merchandising said in a news release. “Partnering with top brands that our customers know and trust, like Petco, allows Lowe’s to continue elevating and localizing our curated assortment to ensure we have the right products in the right markets. By expanding our store-in-store footprint, we’re offering more tailored products and services to meet the unique needs of our customers in rural and remote areas, streamlining the shopping experience.”

Lowe’s Petco store-in-stores carry nutrition and supplies, as well as flea and tick solutions. Petco’s Vetco Clinics, offering vaccinations, microchipping and preventative medicine, will also be available once a month at 75 Lowe’s stores and will be staffed by a licensed veterinarian.

“The success and expansion of our Lowe’s + Petco store-in-store concept is proof of the important role pets play in our lives, and pet parents’ deep desire to give them the best possible life in return,” said Amy College, Petco Chief Merchandising Officer. “As Americans continue to improve their homes for the entire family – including their beloved pets – we’re delighted to bring Petco’s pet care expertise, combined with our health and wellness merchandise and veterinary services, to even more pet parents as we scale up to hundreds of Lowe’s locations across the country.”

The expansion of the Petco shop-in-shop locations is part of Lowe’s broader rural strategy to tailor its assortment in up to 300 stores to include everything needed for farm and home. Expanded rural store assortments will include feed, pet and outdoor products such as troughs, an expanded trailer selection, farm implements, livestock fencing, utility vehicles, and specialized hardware – plus new Carhartt apparel in select stores and the expansion of Wrangler apparel in all rural stores.

Overall, Lowe’s operates more than 1700 home improvement stores in the U.S., while Petco operates roughly 1500 pet care centers across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico.