Absolute Pets

Absolute Pets is a South African retail chain that sells pet food, treats, toys, and other related items, as well as provides grooming services at certain locations. Founded in 2005, the company is headquartered in Cape Town, and is a subsidiary of major South African retail corporation Woolworths.[5]

As of 2025, Absolute Pets operates 180 locations across the country,[2] and continues to expand. The company is South Africa's largest pet store chain by number of stores.[1] Most stores are located in the 3 major metros of Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg.

History

Absolute Pets was founded in 2005, and headquartered in Cape Town. It became South Africa's largest retailer of pet-related supplies.[6]

In late 2023, major South African retail company Woolworths announced its intention to purchase a 93.45% shareholding in Absolute Pets, from the existing Absolute Pets management, and Sanlam Private Equity. The retail giant bought 150 stores for R609 million in cash. The existing Absolute Pets management team remained in their roles.[1][3][7]

The acquisition became effective on 1 April 2024, after approval from the South African Competition Tribunal. In addition to WPet, Woolworths' existing pet care business, Absolute Pets became part of Woolworths Ventures, a newly created internal unit.[8][9] WVentures also included WEdit, Woolworths' small-format clothing store brand.[10]

At the time, Woolworths said that Absolute Pets was strategically aligned with its existing business. The retailer also said that pet care was an attractive and rapidly developing market, with substantial growth potential. Woolworths estimated the pet care sector to be worth over R7 billion,[11] comprising approximately 21.7 million pets in South Africa.[10]

Operations

Absolute pets operates 180 pet stores across South Africa,[2] constituting 39% of the total number of stores in the Woolworths group. The stores collectively cover over 15,000 square meters of retail space.[12] Aside from pet-related products, certain stores also offer dog and cat grooming services.

Absolute Pets stores target mid-to-high income earners, in line with Woolworths' other store customer bases.[13][14]

Through its Absolute Pets app, the company offers Go Fetch!, a delivery service in under 60 minutes for individuals located within 5 km of one of its stores.[15]

See also

• Retailing in South Africa