PetSmart Launches The Groomery

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PetSmart announced the opening of The Groomery by PetSmart, an innovative store concept focused exclusively on pet grooming services, with an expected five locations opening in the coming months. This week, the first of The Groomery stores are opening in New York City’s Upper West Side and Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Additional locations will open in Scottsdale, Arizona, with two more locations expected to be announced soon.

PetSmart is introducing The Groomery as pet care spending continues to increase. According to the American Pet Products Association, in 2016 Americans spent nearly $5.8 billion on pet services, a segment growing faster than any other in the pet category.

Each location features a salon-style modern design in a boutique-sized space of about 1,800 to 2,500 square feet of space, much smaller than a traditional PetSmart store.

“When taking your pet to be groomed, proximity to the home is a key factor for convenience and to help reduce a pet’s anxiety,” said Joanna Zucker, vice president of services for PetSmart. “We know that a significant portion of our grooming business comes from people living within close proximity to a PetSmart store. So, we created The Groomery store design to help us get closer to where pet parents and their pets are living, especially in urban markets. The Groomery offers a great solution when our traditional PetSmart store isn’t located nearby.”

The Groomery features classic pet grooming services, such as baths, brushes, haircuts, blow-outs, nail trims and grinds, teeth brushings, paw maintenance, flea and tick treatments and the de-shedding Furminator service. The Groomery also offers pampering “Spaw” treatments featuring coconut and other scents, pet-specific deep moisture shampoos and conditioners from popular human brand’s such as CHI, as well as a self-service dog wash so pet parents can bond and bathe their own pups.

“We know our pet parents love their pets and want to give them the best of everything, and The Groomery fits nicely into that pet lifestyle,” Zucker said. “Pet grooming can enhance a pet’s overall health, and special service like a scented bath and blow-outs can further enrich our connection with our pets. Let’s face it, a great smelling dog with a soft coat can be an even bigger magnet for hugs, nuzzles and ear scratches from every member of the family.”

Store details include:

Grooming Salon – The Groomery salons feature at least 10 wide, easy-to-maneuver tabletop spaces for the PetSmart grooming staff, all of whom are academy-trained and undergo 800 hours of certification training and a six-month apprenticeship. A bathing area with stainless steel tubs allows for washing the pups, while no-heat dryers safely dry them after a comforting hand-towel drying.

Self-Service Dog Wash – The Groomery locations offer two or more self-service dog wash stations, a popular option within the grooming segment that gives pet parents an easy solution to bathe and bond with their pet, especially after a day at the park. The washing stations feature wall-mounted washing and drying equipment and an array of complimentary shampoos and conditioners that address a range of needs from de-shedding to skin sensitivities.

Merchandise – The lobby area of The Groomery stores are stocked with high-end health and beauty pet essentials such as shampoos, brushes, collars, leashes and treats, including an expanded collection of at-home pet grooming supplies from popular human brands like CHI and Burt’s Bees, as well as pet brand Furminator.

Location details:

The Groomery – Oak Park

Address: 106 N. Maple Ave., Oak Park, Illinois

The Groomery – Manhattan

Address: 670 Columbus Ave. (between 92nd and 93rd Streets), New York City

The Groomery – DC Ranch Community/Scottsdale

Address: 20945 N. Pima Road, Suite B-107, Scottsdale, Arizona

Opening: December

Pet parents can easily book their pet’s appointment at The Groomery salons by visiting petsmart.com/thegroomery to locate their local Groomery. From there, they can book online, call the store directly or download the PetSmart mobile app to schedule an appointment.