DERBY >> Alderman Art Gerckens is always happy to hear of a new business opening in Derby, but it’s his dog, Angus, whose tail is excitedly wagging for the grand opening this weekend of a specialty pet store.
A national chain, Pet Valu, will make its debut at 9 a.m. Saturday at 74 Pershing Dr. in the same plaza that houses Aldi’s, AT&T and Panera Bread.
“I’m always glad to hear of new business coming to Derby, but Angus (my Boxer) is absolutely ecstatic,” said Gerckens. “He appreciates the other businesses in town geared towards pets, but he’s always looking for that next trendy place. Good luck to the new PetValu store and welcome to Derby.”
According to Leanna Bernhard, account executive for Pet Valu, the store offers more than 7,000 products, including holistic and premium brands of pet foods and treats, along with a wide selection of essential and innovative pet supplies to suit every budget. Each of the Pet Valu chains are also dedicated to helping pets in need, and partner with local shelters, rescues and charities through national donation drives and fundraising campaigns.
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Mayor Anita Dugatto said “this is great news for all.”
“Pershing Drive is developing nicely,” Dugatto said. “We are so happy that Pet Valu picked Derby as it’s business home.”
During Saturday’s grand opening, Bernhard said a Hamden-based animal rescue called Where the Love Is will be on hand facilitating pet adoptions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Other festivities to celebrate Pet Valu coming to Derby include a visit from Santa Claus, who will be posing for pictures with Fluffy and Fido. Photos with Santa are $15 and will be taken between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Guests will also be treated to a face painter and a balloon artist, on hand from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., along with raffle prizes and complimentary refreshments.
In addition, the first 50 customers who make a purchase will receive a special goody bag full of fun pet supplies.
Bernhard said Derby was a good fit to build a Pet Valu, which boasts 3,200 square feet of space.
“Pet Valu is growing in many of our existing markets,” she said. “Pet Valu has been successful in the state of Connecticut, and Derby fits within our profile of communities we look to open stores in.”
There are other Pet Valu’s in the area, with the closest locations in Milford and Trumbull.
Bernhard said in addition to the pet food and supplies, Pet Valu offers a unique, self-serve dog wash for only $10.
“We provide the customer with everything they need to bathe their pets and we clean up the mess,” she said.
And of course, pets, leashed of course, are welcome to shop the store anytime accompanied by their human owners.
Pet Valu’s hours will be 9 .am. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. They can be reached at (203) 308-2743.
