GUELPH, ONTARIO — On May 24, Canadian pet specialty retailer Ren’s Pets shared plans to open two new retail locations in Markham and Oshawa, Ontario. The two new stores are part of Ren’s Pets’ expansion plan to open a total of 12 new retail locations in 2023, increasing its footprint to 57 total.

“This is a record number of new stores for Ren’s to open in one year, and we’re so excited to be adding new stores in amazing communities that are passionate about pets,” said Scott Arsenault, chief executive officer at Ren’s Pets. “We’ve had several years now of strong growth for our business and have a wonderful team of hard-working dedicated staff supporting it. Our customers are telling us they want more Ren’s locations, and we’re doing our best to deliver.”

The new store in Markham will be 7,100 square feet and is anticipated to open at the beginning of October. The new store in Oshawa will be 7,956 square feet and is expected to open at the end of October.

Each store will carry more than 8,000 products, ranging from pet food, treats, toys and more, as well as a special grooming area. The stores will also include 32 feet, or 16 doors, of large walk-in freezers for raw and frozen pet foods, which have increased in consumer popularity. Along with in-store shopping, the new locations will also offer pet parents the ability to shop online with quick delivery via DoorDash.

“We’ve already opened five new stores this year, including opening our 50th store just this past weekend in St Thomas, Ontario,” said Larissa Wasyliw, vice president of e-commerce and marketing at Ren’s. “It’s really a remarkable story, when you think about our founders Ren & Sharon starting off with one location in Oakville, Ontario, 48 years ago. Ren’s is now a growing, thriving, Canadian-owned and operated company with unlimited potential and a people-first culture that drives our success with our customers for your pet’s best life.”

Read more about pet retail trends.