Dueling Pet Stores at Alexandria Shopping Center?

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Does Alexandria have enough pets to keep an abundance of local pet care stores in business? Longtime pet food and accessories store Pro Feed, located in Alexandria's Bradlee shopping center since the mid-90s, has no plans to leave after finding out that Pet Valu, a chain store, plans to move in.

"We've been here for more than 20 years and we don't intend on going anywhere," Kyle Pearson, owner of Pro Feed, which has three other locations in the metro DC area, said Thursday.

Pearson said he thinks that Pet Valu is "very predatory" and is locating in the shopping center "because they tried to buy us." A representative from Pet Valu didn't return a call or an email from Patch seeking comment.

Pearson said that KLNB, the company that leases the space at the shopping center, "doesn't care about the health of the shopping center, they're going to sign who they can sign." A representative from KLNB Thursday referred calls to the shopping center owner, Washington REIT.

But Pearson also said he thinks he can weather the competition: "I don't anticipate it being a huge problem," he said, noting he has competed with large chain pet stores before, after one moved into the neighborhood within sight of his store in Vienna. "It hurt a little at first," he said. He also says his commitment to quality products and well-versed employees will keep customers walking through the doors.

Pearson said his Pro Feed store in Alexandria, located at 3690C King St., will be located on the opposite side of where Pet Valu will be located.

Pet Valu describes itself and its affiliated stores as the "largest retail operations in North America dedicated to providing families with food and supplies for dogs, cats, companion birds, wild birds, fish, reptiles and small animals. In our pet-friendly stores you’ll find over 7,000 products, including holistic and premium brands of pet foods and treats, as well as a wide selection of essential and innovative pet supplies to suit every budget."

Pet Valu has about a dozen locations across Northern Virginia, including in Rose Hill, Falls Church and Springfield. The company recently opened its 11th store in Fairfax County, last month. The grand opening at the latest store featured a raffle, free dog washes, cookies and balloon animals. Some of the stores include self-wash dog wash centers. Pet Valu also partners with local organizations to help facilitate pet adoptions and pet training.

Representatives of Pet Valu and Washington REIT haven't confirmed the exact location of the new retailer at Bradlee shopping center.

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