Laois to get Maxi Zoo pet superstore in vacant Portlaoise shop

MAXI ZOO has announced the opening of its 31st store in Ireland, and first in Laois, with a number of new jobs to be created. 

The newest store will be located in the former Argos shop at the Dunnes Stores owned Kyle Centre in Portlaoise.

It will open on Friday, May 17 2023, a year since the unit became vacant.

The branch will have a pet grooming parlour and sell live fish.

The company has been recruiting staff including a dog groomer for the store.

Maxi Zoo is part of the German Fressnapf Group which has 1,700 pet shops across Europe. It opened first in Cork, Ireland in 2006 and is now Ireland’s largest pet retailer, employing over 300 staff.

They opened a fifth Cork branch last January, creating eight jobs.

“The opening of our 30th store in Ireland is a testament to Maxi Zoo’s huge growth and success here," Maxi Zoo Ireland head of marketing Anthony Cremin had said.

“We’re especially proud of our level of engagement with good causes —through numerous campaigns we’ve raised hundreds of thousands of euro for animal charities right across the country.”

The company usually marks new openings with family fun weekends, discounts and giveaways, with pets welcomed.

It is the third dedicated pet supplies chainstore to locate in Portlaoise. The town already has branches of Petmania and Petworld.