// Workers AI · dad joke modeIs Petshop Science purr-fectly accurate?
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 Petshop Science store in Brackenfell, Western Cape | |
| Type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail Pet supplies |
| Founded | 2021[1] |
| Headquarters | Brackenfell, South Africa |
Number of locations | 173 (2026)[2] |
Area served | South Africa |
| Products | Pet food Pet toys Pet insurance |
| Brands | Sugacoat |
| Owner | Checkers |
| Website | petshopscience |
Petshop Science is a South African retail chain that sells pet-related products, as well as offers pet insurance. Founded in 2021, the company is headquartered in Brackenfell, Western Cape and is a subsidiary of major South African retail corporation Checkers.[3]
As of 2024, Petshop Science operates 173 locations across 8 of the country's provinces,[2] making it South Africa's second-largest pet store chain by number of stores, behind Woolworths-owned Absolute Pets.[4]
History
[edit]Petshop Science was founded in 2021, when major South African supermarket chain Checkers entered the pet store market. It was the first South African supermarket group to enter the pet store sector, after being the first such chain to offer pet insurance the year before.[1][5]
In November 2024, the 100th Petshop Science store was opened, in Kempton Park, Gauteng.[6]
In its 2024 financial year, the chain expanded rapidly, ending the year with 86 stores - double the number it started the year with.[7][8]
In July 2025, Petshop Science partnered with UCount Rewards, the loyalty program of South African financial services company Standard Bank.[9]
Operations
[edit]Petshop Science operates 173 pet stores across 8 of South Africa's provinces,[2] targeting mid-to-high income consumers, in a similar LSM bracket to Checkers' FreshX stores. Aside from third-party brands, stores sell a range of dog and cat grooming products under their Sugacoat house brand.[7]
The company also offers pet insurance, underwritten by major South African insurer OUTsurance.[10]
Petshop Science offers home delivery of around 3,500 products across 80 brands, via parent Checkers' Sixty60 app-based delivery service.[11]
References
[edit]- 1 2 "Shoprite's Checkers opens its first standalone pet shop, Petshop Science". Trendtype. 12 May 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- 1 2 3 Malcolm Libera (2 February 2026). "New types of Shoprite stores opening across South Africa". BusinessTech. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
- ↑ Staff Reporter (9 December 2021). "Checkers opens 10th pet store in seven months as it expands its Petshop Science footprint around the country". IOL. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ↑ Moneyweb (30 September 2025). "In battle for pets, Shoprite is catching Woolies fast". Moneyweb. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ↑ Nick Wilson (5 November 2024). "Fur baby frenzy: Shoprite opens its 100th Petshop Science store after just three years". news24. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- 1 2 "Petshop Science - where every day is Pet Day". Shoprite. 11 April 2025. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ↑ "Shoprite Holdings Integrated Report 2024" (PDF). Shoprite. 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ↑ "You can now earn UCount rewards from Petshop Science stores". IOL. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ↑ "Petshop Science - Pet Insurance". Petshop Science. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ↑ Ashley Lechman (18 June 2025). "Petshop Science partners with Sixty60 for same-day pet product delivery". IOL. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
