Petcetera to double locations

CanWest News Service

Wednesday, April 07, 2004

VANCOUVER -- Richmond-based pet superstore chain Petcetera plans to spend $40 million to double the number of its locations across Canada to 66 from 33.

Like a dog without a bone, Petcetera owner Dan Urbani hungers for something he desperately craves -- prime locations for new money-making outlets.

"I believe I can open 100 stores in Canada to fill the market," he said in an interview Tuesday. "I need to get to 66 first and then we'll finish the country."

Urbani said he plans to spend the $40 million over 41/2 years. About half of the future growth of Petcetera will take place in Ontario, where it has eight stores.

There are 14 locations in B.C., including eight in Greater Vancouver -- with a ninth scheduled to open next year. There is one store in Greater Victoria.

Petcetera stores range in size from 10,000 to 28,000 square feet, with a prototype store being around 14,000 square feet, including grooming and animal hospital facilities.

Each store costs more than $1 million to develop and Urbani said he'll finance the expansion through company cash flow and funds from other companies he owns.

He said Petcetera has to aggressively open new stores across Canada now because his competitors, including U.S.-based Petsmart, are doing the same thing.

Urbani said monthly sales at Petcetera have grown by 10 per cent for the past six months