Petco Planned Store Closures After Fiscal 2025 Growth
The company announced plans to close between 15 and 20 locations throughout 2026 as part of routine operations.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Pets — General
Live Poll
Do you view routine store closures as a sign of trouble for a retail brand?
Petco confirmed it will shutter 15 to 20 stores in 2026 as part of a routine lease management strategy. This announcement followed a fiscal year where the retailer operated 1,382 locations.
Why it matters
The planned closures represent routine maintenance for the company as it balances its national footprint. Management is focusing on capital efficiency while navigating a competitive landscape that includes major rivals like PetSmart.
Petco reported $1.49 billion in second-quarter net sales and a 0.6 percent increase in comparable sales. The company has earmarked $140 million in projected capital spending for fiscal 2026.
The players
Petco
Petco is a leading retailer of pet food, supplies, and services that operates over 1,300 locations across the United States.
PetSmart
PetSmart is a major competitor in the pet retail industry that maintains a large national network of brick-and-mortar stores.
The details
The closures are a result of the company allowing existing store leases to expire naturally on their scheduled end dates. With Petco and PetSmart collectively operating over 3,000 stores, the move reflects a standard approach to physical retail footprint management.
Timeline
Petco ended fiscal 2025 with 1,382 store locations.
The store closure plans were announced on March 11, 2026.
The fiscal year for the planned store closures is 2026.
Culture Shift
These store closures mirror a broader retail industry trend toward footprint optimization through natural lease expiration rather than abrupt exits. This shift highlights how established brick-and-mortar brands are prioritizing capital efficiency in a competitive market.
Customers in affected areas will see their local stores close once existing leases reach their natural conclusion. Shoppers can continue to utilize remaining locations or the company's online retail channels for their pet supply needs.
The takeaway
Retailers often use lease cycles as a tool to manage operational costs and real estate portfolios. Consumers should verify the status of their local store if the company continues its scheduled footprint adjustments.
Further reading
For more information on market trends and updates, visit the Pets — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inc..
Live Poll
Do you view routine store closures as a sign of trouble for a retail brand?
