Pet Valu US To Shut Down Stores And Website

Pet Valu U.S., which sells pet food and other supplies, is shutting down all of its 358 stores along with its warehouses as part of winding down its U.S. operations, the company said in a press release. Pet Valu blamed the pandemic for its decision, adding that it would close its Wayne, Pennsylvania headquarters as well.

The company said that “effective immediately, U.S. customers will no longer be able to place orders on the Pet Valu U.S. eCommerce site at www.petvalu.com/us/.”

Pet Valu U.S. said it licenses its name and delivers certain services to Pet Valu Canada, a separate company based in Markham, Ontario. The press release said that Pet Valu Canada would not be affected by the shutdown moves, as it is a “highly profitable and growing business with a tremendous history and a very bright future.” Pet Valu Canada has about 600 stores, franchise locations and an eCommerce website. The Canadian-based company will continue with business as usual, selling thousands of pet products and offering in-store services such as dog washes and grooming.

The company said that all Pet Valu stores in the U.S. remain open currently. Customers will be able to use Pet Valu gift cards and loyalty rewards for purchases.

Jamie Gould, Pet Valu’s recently appointed chief restructuring officer, said that “the company’s stores have been significantly impacted by the protracted COVID-19-related restrictions. After a thorough review of all available alternatives, we made the difficult but necessary decision to commence this orderly wind-down.”

Gould said that while it shuts down operations, Pet Valu U.S. will offer customers “even better deals and value. We will work to assist our dedicated associates through the transition.” He thanked employees “for going above and beyond so we could help customers, as an essential service, during the pandemic.”

The pandemic has had a devastating effect on traditional retailers. For example, Lord & Taylor filed for bankruptcy in August and plans to close all 38 of its stores.