Dive Brief:

• Chillicothe, OH-based Petland Inc. has hired former Wal-Mart Stores executive Tony Samples as VP of corporate stores, the company announced Monday.

• Samples served as VP of retail operations at Wal-Mart Stores and overall has more than 30 years of retail experience, according to a company press release.

• Samples will lead the franchise company’s retail store division and its merchandising and marketing, the company said.

Dive Insight:

Samples joins franchise-based Petland at time of expansion in the pet supplies business. The company has faced bad press over its continued sale of puppies, including accusations that its stores sell ill dogs and without follow-up care. Competitors like Petco and Petsmart have eschewed direct sales of puppies in favor of adoption days.

But, while crowded, the pet-supply business is indeed booming, as people increasingly see their pets as members of the family worthy of high-quality treats, toys, and other supplies. With the economy improving, consumers will likely be that much more willing to open their wallets for their beloved pets. But retailers must be ready, with well kept stores, spry online operations, and appealing products.