Lowe's, Petco Expanding Store-Within-Store Concept

Lowe's and Petco are expanding their pilot program that brings together products for pets and the home into a one-stop shop.

Now in 15 Lowe’s stores, the initiative between the two retailers will grow to nearly 300 stores by the end of 2023. With a focus on rural communities across the U.S., the expansion offers a new convenience to shoppers, providing access to pet supplies and veterinary care along with everything DIY and Pro customers need for their home improvement projects, officials with the retailers said.

"Our initial pilot program with Petco resonated with our existing, loyal shoppers and introduced new customers to Lowe's," said Bill Boltz, Lowe's executive vice president of merchandising. "Partnering with top brands that our customers know and trust, like Petco, allows Lowe's to continue elevating and localizing our curated assortment to ensure we have the right products in the right markets. By expanding our store-in-store footprint, we're offering more tailored products and services to meet the unique needs of our customers in rural and remote areas, streamlining the shopping experience."

Lowe's Petco store-in-stores will carry a range of products from nutrition and supplies to flea and tick solutions that include Petco private brands EveryYay, Leaps & Bounds, So Phresh and WholeHearted. A variety of services including vaccinations, microchipping and preventative medicine, will be available once a month at 75 Lowe's stores and will be staffed by a licensed veterinarian.    

"The success and expansion of our Lowe's + Petco store-in-store concept is proof of the important role pets play in our lives, and pet parents' deep desire to give them the best possible life in return," said Amy College, Petco chief merchandising officer. "As Americans continue to improve their homes for the entire family – including their beloved pets – we're delighted to bring Petco's pet care expertise, combined with our health and wellness merchandise and veterinary services, to even more pet parents as we scale up to hundreds of Lowe's locations across the country."

The expansion of the Petco store-in-store locations is part of Lowe's broader rural strategy to tailor its assortment in up to 300 stores to include everything needed for farm and home. Expanded rural store assortments will include feed, pet and outdoor products such as troughs, an expanded trailer selection, farm implements, livestock fencing, utility vehicles, and specialized hardware.