The clever copy cat

Discount Store News, Dec 8, 1997 by Robert Scally

"We focus in on the beginning, intermediate and advanced hobbyist in the fish, aquatic, bird and reptile area," he said. "It's difficult to provide the kind of high-level service and expertise that a very advanced person is looking for, although we have a few stores that are able to do that.

"Dogs and cats is a very dominant part of our business and is driven primarily by premium food," Asselin said. "The attention is on the wellness of the pet, and the benefit that premium food provides certainly is a driver in the philosophy of the store."

Instead of trying to compete in the expensive business of selling dogs and cats, Petco works with local humane societies and SPCAs to find homes for thousands of animals each year.

"Not only does that provide an excellent service," Asselin said, "it creates a great deal of goodwill that generates strong synergies with customers for our stores."