WENATCHEE, WASH. — Two pet retail entities — EarthWise Pet and Pet Stuff — are combining their franchising and sales forces, including roughly 130 storefronts, under one roof. Through this strategic partnership, Pet Stuff America and Pet Stuff Franchising will operate under the EarthWise brand.

Lisa Senafe, founder of Pet Stuff (previously Bentley’s Corner Bakery founded in 2008), will join EarthWise as chief nutrition officer. Senafe will work closely with EarthWise leaders Michael Seitz, chief executive officer, and Daniel Webb, chief development officer.

“Lisa shares our commitment to nutrition and holistic pet health,” Seitz said. “Combining our know-how and resources will strengthen our brands and allow us to serve more customers as well as provide better support to local independent store owners. With the regional nature of where our stores are located, the private label synergies we will be able to rollout, and the core values alignment of our companies, this is going to be an amazing ride.”

The two pet retailers hope to benefit from combined buying power, passing on savings from manufacturers and suppliers to its customers, as well as superior retail education and franchise support.

“This partnership provides additional support staff, as well as stronger resources to assist local owners as they establish and grow their businesses,” Webb said.

EarthWise and Pet Stuff are both focused on all-natural nutrition and supplies. EarthWise offers grooming services and will be adding those capabilities to Bentley’s Pet Stuff locations. The retailers will also partner with third-party pet service providers to offer pet sitting, dog walking and other services.

Both retailers have received accolades from other pet industry magazines in the past. Additionally, Dee-o-Gee, the franchising wing of Bentley’s Pet Stuff, was named to Inc. Magazine’s list of fastest-growing small American companies in 2020.

Pet Stuff operates pet food and supply stores across California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana and Wisconsin, with plans to open its first locations in Tennessee and North Carolina soon.

EarthWise operates 70 locally owned and operated pet store franchises, including retail for pet nutrition and “pet wellness spas,” the company stated. Current store locations include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. EarthWise plans to add stores in Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania by the end of 2021.

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