I just received this in my eMail.

Now, I haven't bought much from DrsFosterSmith because I've generally found other places that seem just as reputable with lower prices, but this march by PetCo to buy up the competition seems to be becoming a real thing. (( Just went looking and according to this link apparently they were acquired in 2014 and are just making the announcement ))

From that same ling, they've also acquired:
Petopia in 2000
PetCoach in Apr 2017
PupBox in Nov 2017

One has to begin to wonder just how much choice we really do have when it comes to purchasing supplies .....

I'm afraid this goes across much of retail...getting time to patronize truly local businesses. Even, if more expensive...if it can be afforded. I'm now buying my dog food at a garden center 20 miles south of here and, much to my surprise, it's even cheaper than can be bought elsewhere. Not a terrible inconvenience since we pass it on our way to our Corvette Club meetings. I have to go early because the store closes at 5:30 and the meeting is not until 7 but...between the garden center and the meeting is my favorite grocery store. So it becomes convenient AND cost effective. The people there are super nice - while I'm paying for the kibble, the nice gentleman is already loading the bag into the car for me!

Of course, this all pre-supposes that Mr. Archer has not come several multi-day stays - then my dog food runs out early...

I really do wish that I could afford to go to our local business' but since he's the only store in town he charges what he wants.

He won't stock Fromm since there's no demand for it - okay, that's understandable.
Avalanche wants Purina - I think that's all he's ever eaten. 50 pound bag from WalMart is US$22 from our local store US$33.95. Now I don't mind a reasonable markup but 50% above retail starts to be a bit much. (( and WalMart even delivers via UPS to me!! It's amazing to me the stuff I can buy over the internet!! ))

I will truly miss my local farm and garden store when we move. I have missed it just while we have been making the commute since I can't get by before they close. I was getting TOTW Prey from them for $48 for a 25 pound bag. All other stores have been at least $5 higher if not more. Sadly I believe I will have to order chewy when we move. If we get the house we are looking at there isn't any feed store period near without making a special trip for dog food all the way into the capitol. Thinking about switching to Earthborne, but we will see. Haven't done a deep dive on what chewy has that is no chicken and no potatoes.