LIVONIA, MICH. — Pet Supplies Plus, a growing independent pet retail franchise, announced Jan. 21 it has been named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2021 Franchise 500 list, ranking No. 21 out of 500 companies. The franchise was also named No. 1 in the pet store category for the seventh year in a row.

The list recognizes reputable franchises across several industries with rankings based on five factors: growth and size, brand strength, costs and fees, franchise support, and financial strength and stability. Last year, Pet Supplies Plus was ranked No. 50.

In addition, Entrepreneur Magazine named Pet Supplies Plus in its list of “Top Growth Franchises” for 2020, ranked at No. 104 out of 150 companies.

"The pet industry is strong, and when that is paired with a historically-successful franchise system well known for its unwavering support to its owners, it's inevitable our strength and stability would be recognized and attract entrepreneurs," said Chris Rowland, chief executive officer of Pet Supplies Plus. "The signings were all investors eager to join or expand their existing presence with our pet-loving, passionate brand."

The pet retail franchise signed 87 franchise agreements last year alone, including deals with former pet store owners looking for national support, as well as previous restaurant owners looking to expand their business portfolios. In 2020, The franchise celebrated the opening of its 500th store in the United States.

According to data collected by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pet Supplies Plus has added 96 stores over the last three years, a 23.5% growth rate.

"We're evidence that local retail works when it is powered by a passion-driven franchisee and backed by a large organization designed to provide top-of-the-line processes and services built both for our locally-owned stores and corporate locations," Rowland said. "We want the owners bringing the in-store, delivery and curbside experience alive and running it smoothly for the neighbor's convenience and all their individual pet needs."

Pet Supplies Plus expects to open 100 new stores in 2021, including the 40 stores it acquired from Pet Valu in December, following the brand’s widespread closure in the northeastern United States due to COVID-19 impacts. The addition of these former Pet Valu stores increase Pet Supplies Plus’s footprint by 10%.

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