Longtime pet store chain closes all locations after 40 years in business amid ‘economic challenges’

The chain cited economic challenges, persistent inflation and market competition as the cause for closing

A longtime pet store chain has announced the closure of all its locations, primarily located across the North East.

Smithland Pet & Garden Center will be shuttering all 13 stores in Massachusetts and Connecticut in the coming months. It has provided pet, garden and backyard supplies to the region for over 40 years, gaining loyal customers.

It comes during a wave of store closures sweeping across America. A beloved convenience store recently announced it will shut down 178 branches in just one state next month.

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Smithland Pet & Garden Centers cited economic challenges, persistent inflation and market competition as the cause for closing, according to WWLP. The pet store’s parent company, CT Gardens LLC, has chosen to liquidate the business in response to those conditions.

CT Gardens CEO John Atkins said the stores – which were formerly known as myAgway, then later Dave’s Soda and Pet City – will begin closing between now and June.

He said in a statement: “Since 1985, Dave’s Soda and Pet City, myAgway, and Smithland have been more than a place to shop.

“They’ve been places where pets were pampered, gardens were grown, wild birds were fed, and neighbors became friends.”

All locations will be having a Customer Appreciation Sale from May 6-11. Shoppers can get 10% off all non-sale items.

“We hope you’ll stop by, say goodbye, and take advantage of some wonderful savings during this time,” Atkins said. “Most importantly, we hope you know how deeply thankful we are to serve you over these many years.”

The pet industry saw a massive spike during the pandemic, with many people deciding to adopt pets while stuck at home. Statista figures show 70% of U.S. households had a pet in 2020, which was an all-time high.

According to Pet Product News, larger retailers have benefited from the increase, taking proactive steps to expand service options like curbside pick up and home deliveries. Smaller independent retailers, however, have struggled to keep up.

And now that it’s been five years since 2020, the market is returning to normal. Jeff Picken, CEO of Beaumont Products told Forbes that when people were home, they often thought about the best supplies for their pets. With them back at work, people are buying less pet products than before.

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