Approximately 72 pet stores across 17 states will soon close as part of a business restructuring plan. Tractor Supply, which announced in June that it would close around 75 of its over 200 Petsense locations, has stated these closures are meant to focus on higher growth opportunities.
CEO Hal Lawton outlined in an earnings call the intent to direct resources toward more profitable ventures. The Petsense stores set to close had reportedly been experiencing negative cash flow. After that, we think we’ll have a very strong, profitable Petsense business. It will work well with the broader pet ecosystem that we’re building,
Lawton said according to CoStar.
While initially unidentified, the locations earmarked for closure have now been listed by investment firm Gordon Brothers, who is facilitating leasing opportunities for these sites. Gordon Brothers previously participated in the bankruptcy of Big Lots.
A representative from Tractor Supply confirmed the impending closures, stating that the wind-down process will take eight to ten weeks. Listed below are the Petsense stores by Tractor Supply planned to close:
- Alabama: Scottsboro, Sylacauga, Tuscaloosa, Springville, Phenix City, Jacksonville, Valley
- Arkansas: Pine Bluff, Searcy, El Dorado, Beebe, Fayetteville, Jacksonville
- California: Tulare
- Florida: Mount Dora, Lakeland, Auburndale, Ocala, Nokomis, Kissimmee, Jacksonville, Fort Pierce
- Georgia: Griffin, Commerce, Hinesville, Bainbridge, St. Marys, Locust Grove, Cornelia, Madison, Perry
- Kansas: Emporia
- Louisiana: Vidalia, Leesville, Zachary, Opelousas, Abbeville, LaPlace
- Missouri: Sullivan, Eureka, Union
- Mississippi: Starkville, McComb, Clinton
- North Carolina: Shallotte, Henderson, Kinston, Dunn, Jamestown, Roanoke Rapids, Spring Lake
- Nebraska: Grand Island
- New Mexico: Clovis
- Oklahoma: Chickasha, Seminole
- South Carolina: Goose Creek, Orangeburg, Conway, Pickens, Anderson
- Tennessee: Murfreesboro, Savannah, LaFollette, Sevierville, Cleveland
- Texas: Henderson, Uvalde, Magnolia, Kingsville, Fort Worth, Brownwood
- Virginia: Norton
Tractor Supply acquired Petsense in 2016 for approximately $116 million. The acquisition was seen as a strategic complement to its retail operations. Additionally, Tractor Supply earlier this year acquired VIP Petcare to expand its reach in in-store veterinary services and partnered with Instacart to enhance delivery capabilities.