The short explanation for Unleashed by Petco, the new store in the back end of Lakewood Shopping Center (the side facing Abrams, next to Ali Baba) is that it’s a Petco with a smaller footprint.
The Unleashed website, which says Unleashed hit the scene in 2009 with a location in San Diego, says, “Our concept is simple – provide the same knowledge and know-how offered by Petco in a unique, smaller package.”
But that doesn’t quite answer all our questions, does it? Without the square-footage Petco requires to house its vast array of products and services, Unleashed can’t be Petco. So if Unleashed both is and is not Petco, then what in the world is it?
According to Scott Spineto, the man who is in charge of hiring and is also temporarily managing the location until the general manager arrives, says Unleashed was originally created to be a “neighbor concept” that focuses most of its shelf space and energy on selling supplies for cats and dogs.
“It started from Petco asking customers what they wanted out of a store,” he says. “Convenience was the main thing. They didn’t necessarily want the animals or the fish for sale. They wanted good customer services, and with a smaller footprint we have the ability to offer good customer services. And they wanted a fun environment, so we have our bright colors and we feel like we hire fun people.”
Spineto says the Unleashed in Lakewood will not have pets for sale, other than adoption events.
There will not be grooming, but there will be self-service dog washes available for customers to use for $10. Unleashed will supply shampoo, aprons, towels and a blow dryer; you just bring the dog. “It’s a great convenience for those people, like myself, who have back issues and can’t bend over a bathtub at home. This makes it much easier,” he says. “Plus it’s less hassle. They come in and wash the dog, and then we take care of the mess.”
Unleashed will have dog training available: Puppy 1 and 2, as well as Adult 1 and 2. “It’s all positive reinforcement training,” Spineto says. They hope to have classes available about six to eight weeks after they open.
Also, a one other thing he wanted to add: “We do concentrate more on natural, holistic and organic foods,” Spineto says.
Unleashed plans to host a soft opening on Friday, Sept. 27 and grand opening will probably take place a couple weeks after that.
