Pet Supplies Plus To Host Grand Opening In Palm Harbor

PALM HARBOR, FL — An independent pet store, Pets ‘n’ More at 3416 E. Lake Road, Palm Harbor, has officially converted into a Pet Supplies Plus franchise.

This week, husband and wife team Steve and Raffaela Murphy officially opened their doors as franchisees to offer local pet parents more variety and better pet products at a more competitive rate.

The conversion included an entire interior layout makeover with re-branding, a revamped grooming service area and other Pet Supplies Plus perks such as reserved barking spots, more knowledgeable pet care team members on the floor and heavy item carry-out service to neighbor’s cars.

Steve Murphy has been in business for nearly 40 years in Florida. He owned a mechanical contracting business for 20 years. He’s also done consulting work for engineers and owned various businesses including car washes, cleaning companies, storage facilities and warehouses.

After he sold his contracting business in 2008 and his last car wash in 2014, he and his two sons began researching the next business opportunity. They decided to join the resilient pet retail industry in October 2015 with Pets ‘n’ More, after observing that pet stores never seemed to close, unlike other retailers.

While the Murphys enjoyed the pet retail industry, they quickly saw how the rise of e-commerce made it difficult to compete, even with similar prices in the store. Murphy also noticed the growing trend of dog food manufacturers to no longer offer independent shops the ability to shelf their product.

“My buying power wasn’t there and 90 percent of the once-exclusive products were no longer available,” said Murphy. “It was becoming tough to go up against online competitors and major retailers, all while running multiple businesses. I was missing out on my favorite part of the business which is interacting with the neighbors and pets on the floor. I am truly thrilled to debut Pet Supplies Plus to the community since it will be a new experience for pet parents.”

The 5,000-square foot store has always been a family venture which includes the owners’ dogs, Cookie and Fancy, who will continue to greet neighbors at Pet Supplies Plus.

To welcome the Palm Harbor community, the Murphys will host a weekend-long grand opening event. Beginning on Saturday, Aug. 17 and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 18, the new Pet Supplies Plus will offer special prize giveaways, sales and other activities. The primary giveaways are as follows:

• Saturday, Aug. 17: Mystery scratch cards, between the amounts of $5-$50, will be given to neighbors throughout the day.
• Sunday, Aug. 18: The first 100 neighbors who enter the store will receive a coupon for a free, small bag of dog or cat food – valid on any brand within the store
• Saturday, Aug. 17 - Sunday, Aug. 18: Neighbors have a shot at winning a complimentary, one-year supply of dog or cat food. Pet Supplies Plus of Palm Harbor will offer complimentary nail trims and dog washes for pets.

“It’s a new feeling since I’ve always worked for myself, but this is an exciting adventure. I’m still able to make decisions but with assistance and a strong team for everything I need,” said Murphy. “I now have the support and purchasing power that allows me to offer better prices for new and existing neighbors.”

Each team member is trained in the areas of natural and holistic foods and is able to answer a broad range of questions about dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and fish. Shoppers can also take advantage of the free Preferred Pet Club, which offers members regular coupons on products they purchase frequently and monthly specials.

The new store will create several new part-time and full-time jobs for the Palm Harbor community.

It will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To contact Pet Supplies Plus of Palm Harbor, call (727) 785 – 5555 or visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.

Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Pet Supplies Plus has more than 450 locations in 33 states.