Shock change to Bunnings that every Australian needs to know about
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There’s a big change coming to Bunnings stores, and it’s good news for all you furry friends out there!
- Bunnings will expand its pet accessories in March
- It could bring stiff competition to specialty pet stores.
- The retail giant will expand its range to 1,000 items
Visitors to Bunnings will soon notice a significant change as the popular hardware chain dramatically expands its range of pet accessories, in a move designed to cash in on the fast-growing $10 billion sector.
The hardware giant will expand its range of pet products from a few hundred items, including dog beds and kennels, to 1,000 products across its nationwide network by the end of March.
The move will pit Bunnings against competition from the thriving specialty pet stores that have flourished since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The new products that will be offered will include food and toys for dogs, cats and birds that will be located in a sales space of 40 square meters, the aussie informed.
Bunnings boss Mike Schneider said the new direction is in line with the rise in pet ownership over the past three years.
The hardware giant will expand its range of pet products from a few hundred items, including dog beds and kennels, to 1,000 products across its nationwide network by the end of March.
“What we’re going to be bringing to life in our stores over the next four weeks is a pretty complete step-change in our pet range, probably the biggest category expansion in Bunnings in 20 years,” said Mr. Schneider.
“If you look at the last few years, I think 60 per cent of Australians now have at least one pet, it has become a very important part of many, many families in Australia.
Bunnings boss Mike Schneider (pictured) said the new direction is in line with the rise in pet ownership over the past three years.
“And we think the connection that people have to the Bunnings brand, bringing those pets into the store, creates a huge advantage.”
Bunnings has allowed pets in its stores since 2015, as long as they are carried, leashed or in a shopping cart.
Schneider said he’s seen an increasing number of pets entering stores with their owners post-Covid.
“I think the fact that you’re already there with your pet creates a natural habitat for people to come in and buy [for them]’, He told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“We’ve seen some really societally significant changes in how we think about four-legged friends in our homes.
“This is a category up to $10 billion, depending on how you look at it.”
But the tactic could ruffle the feathers of industry leaders PETstock and Pet Circle, which have benefited from growing interest in pet products.
Bunnings’ lower prices on stock items could be the deciding factor in getting ahead of these competitors.
Bunnings has allowed pets in its stores since 2015, as long as they are carried, leashed or in a shopping cart.
Schneider said Bunnings will focus on general products for common pets like dogs, cats and birds.
Woolworths took a 55 percent stake in the Petspiration Group last December, which operates the PETstock brand, investing a whopping $586 million in the deal, the Australian Financial Review saying.
The pet food, accessories and services retailer has a network of 276 retail stores, 65 veterinary clinics and 162 beauty salons.
But Schneider said Bunnings will only focus on general products for commonly owned pets, such as dogs, cats and birds, rather than in-store veterinary care or grooming facilities.
He said the group’s ability to buy products in bulk and sell them attractively is its main strength in the market.