WELCOME TO RUFFIN’S PET CENTRES!
Over four decades ago we developed the full line pet store concept and brought it to Ontario. After forty years of pet retailing, we are pleased to be the industry leaders and serving the second and even third generation of Ruffin’s customers.
OUR MISSION
To promote the creation of healthy, lifelong bonds between pet parents and the pets they love. We accomplish this by offering quality products at affordable prices, combined with warm and knowledgeable franchisee’s and associates. A Ruffin’s pet is a happy pet!
OUR STORY
Ruffin’s started in a small town in Southern Ontario as retirement project for Mark Reynolds’ father. By combining the best features of a pet store with the benefits of a pet food store the concept was an immediate success. The pet industry proved to be a growing enterprise and this led to franchising the concept, with the first store sold September 1986 in Grimsby, Ontario. Since then we have added a 10,000 square foot warehouse , over 500 private label products and the most comprehensive line of pet food in the industry, After decades of success Ruffin’s continues to provide pet parents with the best products, selection, price and advice. Ruffin’s also provides a fantastic opportunity for pet business ownership with two low cost pet franchise concepts. Overall Ruffin’s is the number one choice for success with pets.
WHY A RUFFIN’S PET FRANCHISE?
A PROVEN CONCEPT
- Over 30 years experience in both franchising and the pet industry
- Innovative business model that serves brand name and private label pet products
- Long-standing relationships with top industry suppliers
WE SECURE VALUABLE REAL ESTATE
- Premium site locations are discovered by our development department and real estate partners
- Ideal locations are secured through strong relationships in commercial real estate
- Reasonable total cost of ownership
PROVIDING THE RESOURCES YOU NEED TO SUCCEED
- Strong support and guidance from head office support
- Comprehensive training and onboarding program
- Experienced store owners and franchisees are always available
GETTING STARTED
STEP 1: THE FRANCHISE APPLICATION
- Fill out the Franchise application
- Meet with the Ruffin’s Pet Head Office
- Sign the Franchise Agreement
STEP 2: FINDING A SUITABLE LOCATION
- Formulate a comprehensive business plan (with help from Ruffin’s Pet Head Office)
- Secure financing
- Find a suitable Ruffin’s Pet Store location
STEP 3: BUILDING A RUFFIN’S PET FRANCHISE
- Build your Ruffin’s Pet Store (with help from Ruffin’s Pet Head Office)
- Participate in comprehensive training courses
- Open your Ruffin’s Pet Store
FAQ
Ruffin’s Pet Centre is a full-service retail pet outlet that combines the fun atmosphere of a pet store with the high volume sales of a pet food store.
Ruffin’s Pet Centres started in a small town in Southern Ontario called Dunnville. The founder of the company opened a retail outlet after observing first hand the success of a pet food chain. By combining the best features of a pet store with the benefits of a pet food store the store was an immediate success.
Each Ruffin’s Pet Centre outlet provides a full line of pet foods, pet accessories, and of course pets.
You will typically find Ruffin’s stores in regional strip plazas with a grocery store or other similar large draw as an anchor. We have also located Ruffin’s stores in street front locations and in large shopping centres. The popularity of our concept and the flexibility of our design enable us to tailor stores to suit their markets. Store sizes range from 2,500 – 4,000 square feet all across Ontario.
Investment in a Ruffin’s Pet Centre averages roughly around $350,000. The amount invested varies according to store size, leasehold improvements, fixturing, signage, inventory levels, and franchise fee. The amount of cash required will vary according to the total investment. Ruffin’s will require the franchise applicant to have $100,000 of unencumbered funds.
The Ruffin’s Pet Centre franchise fee will be $20,000.
Your franchise fee gives you the rights to own and operate a Ruffin’s Pet Centre retail outlet in your own exclusive territory, use of the Ruffin’s Pet Centre trademark, site selection and lease negotiation, assistance with store design and setup, training and ongoing support, and will allow you to sell a comprehensive line of pet-related products.
The franchise term is five years, with multiple renewal terms of five years each. Our agreement does not require additional franchise fees on renewal.
A Ruffin’s Pet Centre franchise location requires a full-time commitment from the owner-operator. The franchisee’s involvement in the day to day operation of the store is an essential part of the success of the franchise.
Yes, there is training for franchisees and their staff. We have both online and hands-on training for new and existing stores.
We encourage stores to be what we refer to as full-line stores with pets, food and accessories. However, you can open a Ruffin’s Pet Nutrition Centre operating without pets for sale but still carry the food and accessories for all pets.
Yes, there is a franchise royalty in the amount of 4.5%. The royalty amount is calculated as a percentage of sales and is to be submitted monthly.
If you are interested in becoming a Ruffin’s Pet Centre franchisee please download and complete the application form at the bottom of this page. Once complete please forward it to our office. Thank you.
TESTIMONIAL
