Walmart Expands Pet Care Offerings: Retail’s On The Fence

Walmart Inc (WMT) on Tuesday announced significant expansions to its core pet care offerings that include opening new centers in Georgia and Arizona.

The retail giant’s pet services centers will continue to offer routine veterinary care and grooming, with services provided by experienced veterinary and grooming professionals in collaboration with PetIQ. The firm is looking to continue to expand its pet services centers, with ambitions to introduce the model to more communities in the future.

Beginning October 18, the company will launch its online pet care service Walmart+ benefit with veterinary telehealth provider Pawp, which was announced earlier this year. The service will provide Walmart+ members free, 24/7 access to Pawp's team of veterinary professionals with unlimited $0 visits via text or video.

The retail giant recently expanded its pet pharmacy services that provide low-cost solutions for pet prescriptions at the customer’s doorstep.

The expansion comes against the backdrop of rising demand for pet services. Venessa Yates, senior vice president and general manager of Walmart+ said a subscription to Pawp was used more than any other limited-time offer for Walmart+, according to a CNBC report.

The report also cited Kaitlyn Shadiow, vice president of merchandising, Pets, Walmart U.S. saying that the number of customers making purchases in the pet category with a household income of over $100,000 rose by 36% year-over-year, as of the end of July.

Retail sentiment on Stocktwits, however, continued to trend in the ‘neutral’ territory.

Notably, after a 50% rise on a year-to-date basis, investors appear to be limiting their bullish view on the stock.

One Stocktwits user with a bearish outlook believes the shares are likely to face some near-term headwind.

Also See: Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi Unveils EV-Only Ride Option In Over 40 Cities Globally: Retail Turns ‘Bullish’

For updates and corrections email newsroom@stocktwits.com

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