Pet Supplies Plus Earns Notable Recognition from Entrepreneur, Franchise Times

The “Minus the hassle” brand was recently named one of this year’s “Fastest-Growing Franchises” by Entrepreneur magazine, while Franchise Times - as part of its annual “Zor Awards” program - named Pet Supplies Plus the best franchise to buy in the “Pet Care/Store” category for 2021.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by these highly-respected publications, and it’s a testament to the resiliency of the pet industry, our franchise model and passionate owners who are integrated within their communities,” said Chris Rowland, president and CEO of Pet Supplies Plus. “When the pandemic hit, our leadership team was quick to act by increasing inventory, rolling out delivery capabilities and additional support methods for our owners. Our franchisees trusted and believed in our plan, which allowed us to maintain the type of shopping experience neighbors know and love.”

To earn a spot on Entrepreneur’s “Fastest-Growing Franchises” list is a noteworthy kudos any year, but especially so following 2020. The ranking is a quantitative one, determined by growth data franchise companies provide when being evaluated for Entrepreneur’s annual “Franchise 500.” Then, franchises are ranked in order based on the greatest difference in net total new-unit growth year-over-year.

While many franchise systems could not overcome economic or operational challenges brought on by the unprecedented pandemic, Pet Supplies Plus steadied the waters and stayed the course thanks to the actions Rowland mentioned above.

These returns ranked Pet Supplies Plus No. 1 in the “Pet Store” category on the 2021 “Fastest-Growing Franchise” list and No. 61 overall.

Pet Supplies Plus also secured a top spot among Franchise Times’ “Zor Awards”: an industry-exclusive award program designed to recognize brands in 10 of the industry’s most exciting and accessible franchise categories.

Following a meticulous selection process - one that includes analyzing key franchise data, editorial examinations and reader voting - Pet Supplies Plus was deemed winner of the best franchise to buy in the “Puppy Love: Pet Care/Store” category. To determine the top categories, the Franchise Times editorial staff selected 10 that are designed to reflect industry momentum and appealing segments within franchising.

“One of the great trends to emerge from last year was the significant increase in pet ownership and pet adoption,” said Rowland. “Because of our prompt response to the new realities, we were ready - both operationally and from a health-and-safety perspective - to meet these skyrocketing demands from new pet owners while also serving our existing neighbors. Pet ownership is only going to continue to grow, and we are the one-stop-shop for all our neighbors’ pet needs. That puts our franchise in a strong position - in 2021 and well beyond.”