Profiles
PET VALU
Expansion doubles Pet Valu’s commitment to community N othing is more important than community to the staff and ownership at Pet Valu. One of more than 30 businesses in Clearspring Centre, the Pet Valu works closely with Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue by holding monthly adoption events, selling their merchandise and housing foster cats. “We really are trying to support them and help the pets that don’t have homes yet in the community,” Freynet said.
store and mall are undergoing an expansion to offer a wider range of products to their devoted pet lovers and allow them to continue giving back in a big way. Locally owned by Barry and Joyce Peters since 2001, the store has been part of Clearspring Centre since 2013. Manager Shanna Freynet said they’ve seen their customer base get larger as people respond to their dedication to providing quality products and providing a family atmosphere. “We try to bring in products we know are really good for pets,” she said. “If it keeps the animals healthy it keeps the pet parents happy.” Shaelyn Wiens, one of the store’s assistant managers has been on the job for over 16 years. She said they work hard to assess new products, responding to customer feedback and research. It’s a responsibility felt keenly by the store’s staff who are continually educating themselves to allow them to offer sound advice. Freynet, who’s been at Pet Valu for almost nine years, says the learning never stops. And while accurate information is important, customer service goes far beyond the sharing of that information or the offering of advice. “We really do try and focus on building a relationship with the customer, instead of them just coming in, grabbing what they need and leaving, we try and build that rapport,” Wiens said. “We try and make sure that we’re focussed on their wellbeing as well as their pets.” In fact, Freynet said they often see their clients around the community and staff will often recognize the pets by name. Those same customers will share stories of triumph such as the adoption of a new puppy or kitten, steps gained in training, and will also share in times of grief, stopping by to tell staff when a family pet has passed away. “We cry with them,” Freynet said. “They’re more than just customers. They’re family.”
Wiens agreed. “It’s not just about sales for us, it really is caring for the community and the animals,” she said. “We really do want to better their lives and the lives of those around us.” In June, all 700+ Pet Valu stores across Canada celebrate their annual “Pet Appreciation Month.” Throughout that month, various events and fundraisers are being held such as adoption events and a barbecue. Local companies, along with pet supply companies have donated items to be used as prizes for the month long raffle. Freynet said the community responds in a big way when it comes time to donate those prizes. All of the proceeds get donated to Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue. Customers who enter the store are often greeted by one or more of their resident cats. Junior, Mr. Floyd Pickles and Sydney were all originally adopted from Steinbach Animal Rescue. “We have a lot of customers who stop by just to pet the cats,” Wiens said. They welcome everyone to drop by, whether it’s to purchase from their wide array of products, ask for advice, or simply get a little one-on-one time with their favourite store cat.
Visit Pet Valu at Clearspring Centre for top quality service and all your pet related needs or call 204-326-6600
When the expansion is complete, the store’s footprint will double which will allow them to offer a wider variety of products. Two dog wash stations will also be added, a convenience that has long been requested by customers, and one that is common to most of the 700-plus Pet Valu locations across Canada. The wash stations will have everything that customers will need to wash their pets in store, Freynet said it will make things much simpler than using the bathtub at home as so many do. And while the extra space is something all staff are looking forward to, it’s not just the product lines that will benefit. Freynet said they will continue their strong commitment to the community and will be able to help in an even bigger way with more space available.
Profiles 7
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