Wylie Wagg, a family-owned chain of pet stores, is actively planning to expand in the Washington D.C. region. Owners Laura and Larry Clark have retained
Next Realty Mid-Atlantic to assist them in the search for multiple locations in the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia markets.
Founded in 2002, Wylie Wagg currently has four locations in Virginia, and is in search of additional locations 2,800-3,200 square feet in size. It is an ideal tenant for high-end shopping centers or more urban locations in D.C. or Northern Virginia says George Galloway, president, Next Realty Mid-Atlantic.
"Our first store was in Middleburg, followed by Fairfax, Falls Church/Tysons, then Arlington," says Larry Clark. The pace of growth was originally steady, with a store added every couple of years. Now, he says, "we would like to increase the pace of expansion" to one or two a year, if funding and performance continue to be strong. The company hasn't set an upper limit on expansion, he adds, but currently Wylie Wagg is a self-funded business.
The stores carry most everything for dogs, cats and birds including organic and natural, canned, dry, and raw pet foods as well as beds, bowls, collars, leashes, harnesses, and toys. "Our philosophy has always been to differentiate ourselves with healthy foods and treats, and also higher quality goods for pets," says Clark.
Wylie Wagg "fills a niche in the market for pet lovers who are very conscientious about the food and other products they give their pets," says Galloway. Customers want pets to have long, healthy lives, and the Clarks are "thoughtful merchants with a conscience."