Pet Supplies Plus franchisees plan 3 NJ stores

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Pet Supplies Plus is about to have an even bigger pawprint in New Jersey.

The pet retail franchise plans to open its 15th in-state location Nov. 1 at 980 Shrewsbury Ave. in Tinton Falls.

Along with a broad selection of pet products, including natural foods, toys and other goods, Pet Supplies Plus will offer amenities such as a full-service grooming salon and self-serve wash stations.

Based in Michigan, Franchise Group Inc. acquired Pet Supplies Plus in 2021 for $700 million. The buyer’s portfolio also includes Secaucus-headquartered nutritional retailer The Vitamin Shoppe and tutoring company Sylvan Learning.

Since then, Pet Supplies Plus has been busy growing the retailer’s brick-and-mortar presence, as well as online capabilities. In addition to buying in store, customers can shop online for free curbside pickup, same day delivery or auto ship. They can also get pet prescriptions filled and delivered.

Considered the largest independent pet store in the U.S., Pet Supplies Plus has more than 730 locations in 44 states.

Meet the team

Pet Supplies Plus in Tinton Falls will operate 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday. The store offers one-hour curbside pickup and free same-day delivery on all online orders.

Pet Supplies Plus encourages guests to bring their leashed pets into the store. According to the business, the outlet is staffed by knowledgeable and caring team members who can answer questions or provide tips.

Local husband-wife duo Mansi and Dipit Patel, Heerak Amin and Rick Allocca own and operate the soon-to-open store. They also plan to open two additional locations in New Jersey; however, details on those outlets was not immediately available.

Mansi Patel manages her husband Dipit Patel’s real estate firm. She says she’s always had a passion for pets and dreamed of opening her own store to connect with the community. The couple, which has a 4-year-old dachshund, said they were drawn to Pet Supplies Plus for its reputation and community-focused business model.

Allocca, a lifelong pet enthusiast and father to a 1-year-old, shares a similar vision of wanting to create a family-friendly space where children can experience the joy of pets. For Amin, who brings a background in retail and experience in the pet industry, the business seemed like a natural fit.

Get in on the celebration

As community partners, the owners plan to work alongside local animal shelters, rescue organizations and nonprofits to host year-round adoption events, fundraisers, pet food and product drives.

“My dog means the world to me, and I always want to ensure he gets the very best care possible. I found that level of care and attention at Pet Supplies Plus, and now I want to make sure all pets receive the same love and quality service,” said Mansi Patel. “I’m so excited to be a part of this journey and can’t wait to help other pet parents provide the best care for their fur babies.”

To celebrate its arrival in Tinton Falls, Pet Supplies Plus will hold a weekend-long grand opening event Nov. 23 and 24.

Both days will feature complimentary pet washes, coffee, hot chocolate, doughnuts, charcuterie and “barkcuterie” samples for dogs. Customers can also earn a $5 reward for every $50 spent.

The Nov. 24 festivities will include live music, balloon animals and face painting. The following day, Pet Supplies Plus will give the first 100 shoppers one free small bag of dog or cat food. There will also be a coloring contest for children and dog treat decorating.

Pet Supplies Plus also offers a free rewards program that gives members regular coupons on products they frequently buy, monthly specials and free products on select brands. During the grand opening, rewards members can earn four times the rewards points on all purchases.

In addition, customers will have an opportunity to win either a $250, $100, or $50 gift card and receive a coupon. For more information, click here.