"It was my dream, my passion, that one day I would build a really nice store. Something that would have some bells and whistles that you don't normally see in a pet store."– Gordon Moore, MAX Member

The Shoppes at Eastchase continue to grow, bringing new stores and retailers to the Montgomery area. MAX is proud to help bring one of its most recent additions - Petland.

While it is new to Alabama, Petland has a familiar family behind its name. The owner, Gordon Moore, has been serving pet owners for more than 37 years with his stores, Wet Pets on McGehee Road and Wet Pets and Pups, which was located in Eastdale Mall.

Moore opened his first store, Wet Pets, in 1971. It was one of the first pet stores in Alabama and only featured fish at the time. Over the years, he expanded the business to include a variety of pets, grooming services and pet products.

“It was my dream, my passion, that one day I would build a really nice store. Something that would have some bells and whistles that you don’t normally see in a pet store. A store that would be an attraction for people, regardless if they were interested in buying a pet,” says Moore.

A Unique Opportunity
After considering the type of store he wanted to open and consulting with other pet stores around the country, Moore decided to open a Petland. Some people may question why after being in the pet business for more than 37 years, Moore decided to open a franchise, but he felt Petland offered something different.

Moore stated that Petland does a great job of creating a “wow” factor in the store, while his own store does a great job of providing personal customer service. “I felt like we could be the best of both worlds. I knew that changing our name was going to be a challenge. The Wet Pets name has been branded here and it is well known. It is my job now to let everyone know that it may be a new name, but it is the same old folks,” says Moore.

Finding the Right Financing
In September 2007, MAX began financing the construction for Petland. Moore commented that he did not realize MAX was in the construction lending business. He found out from a friend and decided to look around for the right lender. “MAX rolled out the red carpet for us,” says Moore. “It became a win-win situation for us, and MAX.”

After months of construction, the new store opened in mid-March. “It may have a big look in the middle of Eastchase, but it is still a family-run, family-owned operation,” says Moore, whose wife, son-in-law and two daughters all work in the store.

When you walk into Petland, you can immediately see that it’s not your ordinary pet store. Open station areas with talking parrots, furry rabbits and parakeets all invite you to greet each animal. A wall of excited puppies wagging their tails also vies for your attention. A row of socialization rooms allows customers to hold the puppies and become acquainted with the animals.

A Network of Pet Resources
Petland has a unique relationship with local and national breeders that provide the store with puppies of all different types. Petland puppies also have several added benefits. Petland’s “Pets for a Lifetime” policy helps seek new homes for Petland puppies if the owner can no longer keep the dog. Through its partner veterinarian, Golden Animal Hospital East, Petland pet owners also receive discounts on spaying/neutering fees.

Petland also works closely with a number of organizations to help support the local community. Petland’s Adopt-A-Pet program works with the local Humane Societies to place homeless pets with new owners. Petland is also one of the major corporate sponsors for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.Petland encourages its guests to come visit the animals. You might just go home with a new best friend!


How Can myMAX Business Services Help Your Business?

MAX offers 1-year interest-only fixed rate construction loans, construction-to-perm loans, and 20- to 30-year amortization on commercial real estate loans. We also offer equipment loans and more.

myMAX Business Services

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Call: 888.290.2470

Petland Hours: Mon.-Sat.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
Sun. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Web site:petland.com