Petco Opens in Mt. Kisco Amid Large Competitive Field [POLL]

Where there is demand, there are suppliers.

In a stretch of a just a few miles, pet lovers can choose from smaller, privately-owned pet supply and grooming shops to the newly-arrived Petco on on Mount Kisco's North Bedford Road, putting it in close proximity to existing pet shops in the village, and in Bedford Hills and Katonah. While Patch readers , the impact of this “big-box” store on their choice of retail shops is yet to be seen.

Several local shop owners are counting on their unique merchandise offerings and the personal relationships they have cultivated, to keep their customers coming back.

owner Joe Sanoguet said that despite his store’s proximity to Petco, which opened in early March, he believes longtime customers of his family-owned business will remain loyal.

“We know our customers well and we have relationships with vets and groomers,” Sanoguet said. “And what makes us different are our prices—we keep them more competitive than Petco.”

Laurence Jansen, a mother of three from Katonah who has been buying supplies for her dog, guinea pig, bearded dragon and fish at Pet Pub for more than five years is one of those customers. “I try to be loyal to stores that are so friendly and helpful, like The Pet Pub,” she said. “And because I like to support locally-owned stores, I don’t really see the need to go to Petco.”

But Petco manager Maria Scaglione said community reception of the store has been extremely positive thus far, and many customers have expressed how happy they are that the store has opened in town.

 “We are thrilled to be here to help customers find what they need for their pets,” she said.  In addition to a wall of fish tanks, small animals and pet care products, the 11,000 square-foot store offers grooming, dog training, pet photography and soon, vaccinations as well.

“We pride ourselves on offering healthy options for food and on being a one-stop-shop for all the things your pet needs—plus, you are welcome to bring your pet in the store with you,” she added.

Others find the opening of the to be a reflection of the times.

Ellen Davis, a dog owner from Chappaqua who was shopping at Petco last week, said she has seen this happen before.

“It is a fact of life that when a big store comes to town, the smaller ones get crushed,” Davis said. “And though I would like to support independently-owned stores, it is easier to come to one place to buy my supplies, get my dog groomed and it also brings me to the area for shopping elsewhere.”

Besides  on North Bedford Road, there is the grooming salon, —offering doggie daycare, training and a retail pet boutique and , also offering daycare and overnight stays.

What sets it apart from chain retailers, according to owner Christina Farenga, is its educated staff, its specialized product lines with brands like Fromm and Stella & Chewy’s—and the strong bond the staff has with its pet customers and their families.

As for the plethora of pet businesses that are concentrated in the area, Farenga is optimistic.

“This is a pet-loving community with a large number of animal owners,” she said. “There is room for all of us.”