SPAR takes on Checkers and Woolworths in new arena

SPAR has launched “Pet Storey”, its new pet store franchise that will take on the likes of Checkers’ Petshop Science and Woolworths’ Absolute Pets.

SPAR announced on Friday, 19 September, that it has launched Pet Storey, the retailer’s new pet store franchise and buying network. 

The launch was celebrated on Friday with the conversion and opening of the largest pet store in Africa, one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, in Boksburg. 

The store was previously part of the Pet Masters network, which operated stores nationwide.

“This is a bold move designed to keep pace with evolving consumer lifestyles and the humanisation trend with pet parenting,” SPAR group business development executive Rob Philipson said. 

This rollout is also expected to create new opportunities for new and existing entrepreneurs and suppliers.

With the launch of the first store in Boksburg on Friday, SPAR said the target is to roll out 25 to 30 stores nationwide by the end of 2025 and to have a minimum of 100 stores by the end of 2026.

“From gourmet treats, tasting stations, innovative treats, accessories and sustainable toys to grooming services and probiotic wellness ranges, the new pet store concept goes way beyond just pet nutrition,” the retailer said. 

Philipson pointed out that South Africans are now spending more time at home, rethinking how they live, and placing greater value on companionship. 

“This new pet store brand is our way of adapting to those shifts, while anticipating where consumer trends, and specifically those of pet parenting, are headed next,” he said. 

“We are delivering an immersive pet retail experience that is accessible, affordable, and inspiring – for pet lovers and more importantly, their pets.”

With pet ownership steadily increasing across income groups, SPAR said its stores are designed to be flexible, from stand-alone outlets in urban hubs to integrated formats aligned with community shopping centres.

“At its core, this store launch is part of the SPAR journey to unleash the power of existing SPAR entrepreneurs to own and operate their own pet stores, or for independent speciality pet store owners to convert their existing pet stores, under the SPAR banner,” it said.

The retailer hopes that this will create:

• Retailer growth – A proven brand, training, and supply chain support
• Supplier opportunity – A platform for local pet product manufacturers to scale nationally
• Community benefit – Job creation, skills development, and reinvestment into local economies

“Pet Storey offers a curated range of quality pet products at affordable prices because caring for pets shouldn’t come at a premium,” the retailer said. 

“It has a range of pet products, many exclusive to Pet Storey, making quality pet care accessible for everyone.”

“The aim is to redefine pet care by offering tailored solutions for every fur baby. The brand is committed to pet wellness, education, and responsible ownership in the community.”

The retailer said the emergence of big chains into the speciality retail space has put existing independents under threat, with no way to protect what they have built for many years. 

“Existing independent pet store owners and SPAR store owners are invited to apply to join our pet care world and redefine pet care in South Africa,” the retailer said. 

“This also includes an opportunity for independents to be a part of the buying network and be supported by the expertise and strength of the SPAR Group,” it said.

SPAR’s Pet Storey will compete with pet shop brands from South Africa’s major retailers, including Checkers’ Petshop Science and Woolworths’ Absolute Pets and WPet.

Checkers was the first South African supermarket to launch a pet shop. Petshop Science has grown significantly since its launch in 2021, with around 144 store locations across South Africa. 

Woolworths acquired a 93.45% stake in Absolute Pets in 2024 and has since grown from 170 store locations to 180 in the retailer’s latest results.

SPAR Pet Storey launch