Focusing on offering a wide range of goods

15 years ago, Thomas Jönsson bought his first pet product store "Zooab" in Malmö together with his partner. Three further stores were opened in the ensuing years, including one in Löddeköpinge and another in a suburb of Malmö. These four outlets played an important role in southern Sweden. In 2000, Thomas Jönsson then developed a franchise concept based on these four stores under the name "Zooab" and sold two of the stores to the respective branch managers. "We leased out the other two shops," says Thomas Jönsson, "because we actually wanted to leave the industry and start something completely new." A breeding centre for large parrots was created, accommodating up to 100 breeding pairs at times. Birds from this breeding centre have been supplied ever since for sale in the "Zooab" shops as well as for supplying to other dealers.After two years breeding parrots, Thomas Jönsson developed the concept for a large pet product store. The plans were quickly finalised and construction commenced in February 2003. A rural area approx. 10 km north of Malmö, adjacent to the E6 motorway, was chosen as the location for the new store. Other large cities such as Lund and Helsingborg are not far away, and the large parking area with over 100 spaces makes it easy for customers to come by car to do their shopping. "Zoogiganten" was opened on 29 August 2003. With 1 500 m² of covered retail space and an outdoor area measuring 400 m² it is one of the biggest pet stores in Sweden. A full range of dog and cat food and accessories as well as products for aquariums, reptiles, small animals and birds are stocked as standard by Thomas Jönsson. And his predilection for birds is manifested in the form of 50 aviaries, each measuring 2 x 1 x 2 m."We set ourselves the task," continues Thomas Jönsson, "of offering customers a special shopping experience centred on animals." Thus a mini-zoo was created outside, featuring goats, sheep and rabbits. And for the inside the entrepreneur is planning a 250 m² "hands-on" zoo especially for children. The garden pond business is also regarded as an important growth segment at Zoogiganten. The range of Danish granite products is particularly popular. In the near future the marine aquarium section is also going to be expanded. Thomas Jönsson believes that this will probably make it the biggest selection of fish, coral, equipment and accessories in Sweden. Zoogiganten currently employs seven staff, with additional helpers being employed at peak times of…