Bunnings' new move its 'biggest change in 20 years'
Bunnings will sell products for dogs, cats and birds as it aims to take a slice of Australia's growing pet industry.
Bunnings is embarking on its biggest category expansion in decades with the retail giant announcing it will sell close to 1000 pet products.
The company says it is its biggest product move since deciding to sell kitchens and it wishes to play a part in Australia's expanding pet industry.
Products aimed at dogs, cats and birds will include pet food, toys and bowls and the amount of pet products will depend on the size of the store.
"We’re really looking forward to giving customers access to all their essential pet supplies under the same roof," Bunnings Managing Director Michael Schneider said.
He said the expanded pet range will launch in late March and will include a wider range of bedding and durables along with the introduction of pet food.
Bunnings to capitalise on increasing pet ownership in Australia
Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership, and it's only getting higher since the start of the pandemic, with approximately 70 per cent of households owning pets, according to La Trobe University.
"We know the role of pets is becoming increasingly important in Australian families and homes, and we see huge potential in this growing category when applying our proven strategy of combining lowest prices, widest range and best experience," Mr Schneider said.
Bunnings has always claimed to be a pet-friendly store by allowing customers to shop alongside their furry friends under certain conditions.
“We have an internal page called Bunnings Pet Spotting — we have 10,000 of our team signed up to that page who share photos of dogs and their owners coming into our stores," Mr Schneider told Sydney Morning Herald.
“I think the fact that you are already there with your pet creates a natural habitat for people to come in and shop (for them).”
The range will initially cater to dogs, cats and birds and be focused on merchandise rather than services.
Bunnings will now be going to head-to-head with large retailers like Woolworths, who reportedly made a $586 million investment last year in Victorian-owned company PETstock.
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