The ongoing challenges in America’s retail sector persist as a popular pet and garden chain announces its store closures. In a press release shared on May 5, Smithland Pet & Garden Centers announced that it will be ending its 40-year retail business across all US states, including Massachusetts.
Highlights
- Smithland Pet & Garden will close all 13 locations this summer, including 6 in Massachusetts.
- The 1985-launched pet and retail giant is holding a ‘customer appreciation sale’ before saying goodbye to Massachusetts.
- Online competition and current economic turbulence have forced the longtime retailer to make the decision.
Smithland Pet & Garden Bids Goodbye to Massachusetts this May
Originally known as myAgway and Dave’s Soda and Pet City, the pet and garden retailer is set to shut down its 13 locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Smithland Pet & Garden began its offerings in the pets, backyard living, and gardening verticals in 1985. The Connecticut-based pet and garden chain has since then been selling products like puppy food, wild bird seed, outdoor cooking & furniture items, perennials, etc.
The retailer will begin closing all its locations starting May 6, including the following six in Massachusetts:
- 151 Springfield St., Agawam
- 335 Russell St. Route 9. Whole Foods Plaza. Hadley
- 433 Center St. Ste. 27, Big Y Plaza, Ludlow
- 142 North King St., Big Y Plaza, Northampton
- 144 West St., Ware
- 81 Springfield Road, Westfield
The pet and garden retailer stated in its official press release that while its closure process goes on, it will keep selling pet supplies, lawn care, and garden products in Massachusetts.
Sales and Offers for One Last Time
Smithland Pet & Garden has not revealed the exact date of store closure in Massachusetts. However, it has launched a ‘customer appreciation’ sale at all of its outlets in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The sale by the longtime pet and garden retailer will continue from May 6 to 11 with a 10% discount on non-sale products.
Other than this, the four-decade-old retailer will also keep up with tradition and hold its Mother’s Day sale.
Reasons for Smithland Pet & Garden’s Store Closures
The pet and garden retailer has cited current economic troubles across the country as the reason behind its decision. Additionally, Smithland Pet & Garden will be shutting down its stores across Massachusetts and Connecticut due to a tough battle with online players.
The closure of its 13 stores reflects a larger challenge faced by brick-and-mortar establishments to stay afloat against the wave of online brands that use automated services for the order and delivery of pet products.
The latest shutdown announcement by Smithland Pet & Garden hints at the shift of pet parents towards online pet service platforms. While the 40-year-old pet and garden chain ends its run with sales for buyers, its departure highlights the pressures on brick-and-mortar retailers.
