Franchise News

Former Independent Pet Store in Palm Harbor Converts to Franchise Pet Supplies Plus

Pets ‘n’ More to Reopen as Pet Supplies Plus to Offer Pet Parents Array of Natural Foods, Toys, Goods & Hassle-Free Services

PALM HARBOR, Florida (July XX, 2019) – An independent pet store Pets ‘n’ More, has officially converted into a Pet Supplies Plus franchise at 3416 E Lake Road. Husband and wife team Steve and Raffaela Murphy officially opened their doors as franchisees to offer local pet parents more variety and better pet products at a more competitive rate. The family will be hosting a grand opening celebration scheduled for Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18 with special prize giveaways, unbeatable sale prices and more.

With the brand known as America’s Favorite Neighborhood pet store, the Murphy family says they are excited to add even more to their ability to provide personalization and exceptional care toward each individual pet’s needs in the community. The conversion included an entire interior layout makeover with rebranding, a revamped grooming service area and other Pet Supplies Plus perks such as reserved barking spots, more knowledgeable pet care team members on the floor and heavy item carry-out service to neighbor’s cars.

Steve Murphy has been in business for nearly 40 years in the Florida area. He owned a mechanical contracting business for 20 years. He’s also done consulting work for engineers and owned various businesses including car washes, cleaning companies, storage facilities and warehouses. After he sold his contracting business in 2008 and his last car wash in 2014, he and his two sons began researching the next business opportunity. They decided to join the resilient pet retail industry in October 2015 with Pets ‘n’ More, after observing that pet stores never seemed to close, unlike other retailers.

While the Murphy’s enjoyed the pet retail industry, they quickly saw how the rise of e-commerce made it difficult to compete, even with similar prices in the store. Steve also noticed the growing trend of dog food manufacturers no longer offering independent shops the ability to shelf their product, instead shifting their focus to larger retailers.

“My buying power wasn’t there and 90 percent of the once-exclusive products were no longer available,” said Murphy. “It was becoming tough to go up against online competitors and major retailers, all while running multiple businesses. I was missing out on my favorite part of the business which is interacting with the neighbors and pets on the floor. I am truly thrilled to debut Pet Supplies Plus to the community since it will be a new experience for pet parents.”

The 5,000 square ft. store has always been a family venture which includes the owners’ dogs Cookie and Fancy, who will continue to greet neighbors at Pet Supplies Plus.

To welcome the Palm Harbor community, the Murphys will host a weekend long grand opening event. Beginning on Saturday, August 17 from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and continuing through Sunday, August 18, from 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., the new Pet Supplies Plus will offer special prize giveaways, unbeatable sale prices and more. The primary giveaways are as follows:

• Saturday, August 17: Mystery scratch cards, between the amounts of $5-$50, will be given to neighbors throughout the day.
• Sunday, August 18: The first 100 neighbors who enter the store will receive a coupon for a free, small bag of dog or cat food – valid on any brand within the store. Bark N’ Brunch from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, August 17 – Sunday, August 18: Neighbors have a shot at winning a complimentary, one-year supply of dog or cat food. Pet Supplies Plus of Palm Harbor will offer complimentary nail trims and dog washes for pets.

“It’s a new feeling since I’ve always worked for myself, but this is a new, exciting adventure. I’m still able to make decisions but with assistance and a strong team for everything I need,” said Murphy. “I now have the support and purchasing power that allows me to offer better prices for new and existing neighbors.”

Neighbors have access to an experienced and knowledgeable team to help them find everything they need. Each team member is extensively trained in the areas of natural and holistic foods and is able to answer a broad range of questions about dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and fish. Shoppers can also take advantage of the free Preferred Pet Club, which offers members regular coupons on products they purchase frequently and monthly specials, resulting in big savings.

The new store will create several new part-time and full-time jobs for the Palm Harbor community. It will be open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. To contact Pet Supplies Plus of Palm Harbor, call (727) 785 – 5555 or visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.

About Pet Supplies Plus

Pet Supplies Plus is focused on making it easier to get better products for your pet. With over 450 locations in 33 states, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural foods, hard goods and pet services. Headquartered in Livonia, MI., Pet Supplies Plus is ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Annual Franchise 500® list as the Top Full-Service Pet Supplies Franchise for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength, growth rate and system size. For more information visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.