TORONTO, ONTARIO — Specialty pet food and supplies retailer Ren’s Pets announced plans to open a new retail location in The Beaches, Toronto, later this year. The store will feature an urban concept, boasting a smaller footprint and new look.

“We’re really excited to open an urban concept Ren’s store in The Beaches, expanding our network of stores in Toronto,” said Scott Arsenault, chief executive officer at Ren’s Pets. “We know the area has a very passionate pet community who is looking for the type of premium pet food, treats, and toys in the best brands that we carry at Ren’s. The new location couldn’t be more perfect, right by the grocery store, banks, library, and park which leads to the beach.”

The new store will span 6,000 square feet and carry a selection of dog and cat products, including premium food, treat and toy displays, and a grooming section. It will house 30 feet of walk-in freezer space for raw and frozen pet food products, one of the biggest selections of raw/frozen pet foods, according to Ren’s.

Ren’s new location will also feature a boutique-style look with updated signage, barnboard and brick wall accents and new fixture styles. It represents Ren’s third urban-concept store.

“We learned a lot opening our first urban location in Liberty Village, Toronto,” Arsenault said. “It showed us that pet parents in the city wanted smaller to medium-sized bagged food, along with a large selection of raw frozen food. They loved bringing their pets in frequently when out for a walk to pick up a new treat or toy. We ended up expanding both our cat and grooming sections to meet demand. We have The Junction, Toronto, opening this February, and expect to see a lot of learnings from that urban location as well.”

The new retail location will offer in-store and online shopping to pet parents.

“Liberty Village also quickly became our top DoorDash store, demonstrating how Toronto pet parents want same-day delivery for convenience,” said Larissa Wasyliw, vice president of e-commerce and marketing at Ren’s. “The Beaches should be similar, as it’s an easy way for dog and cat owners to get their pet supplies, in particular bigger bags of pet food and heavy kitty litter, delivered right to their doorstep.

“There are already a lot of Ren’s Rewards members from The Beaches area that shop with us now in our GTA stores or on the website,” Wasyliw added. “We know that these pet parents want a great neighborhood pet store where they can bring their pets, chat with knowledgeable staff for advice, weigh their pet, try samples, and get fitted for halters or collars. We can’t wait to show The Beaches that Ren’s is here for your Pet’s Best Life with the best food, treats, and toys you can get for happy, healthy pets.”

Alongside this new location, Ren’s currently operates 45 stores through Ontario and the Maritimes. The company plans to open 10 additional stores this year.

Read more about pet retail trends.