The massive troubles for brick-and-mortar stores in the era of COVID-19 continues. A national chain of pet supply stores, with many locations in South Jersey, has announced it is shutting down.

PetValu, which operates over 350 stores across the Northeast and Midwest, announced Wednesday that they will, "commence a wind down of its operations due to severe impact from COVID-19," according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Details on exactly when they will close were not given, however, store closing sales at all of their locations will begin this Thursday. Online shopping through the company is no longer available.

Jamie Gould, Pet Valu, Inc.'s recently appointed Chief Restructuring Officer, said in a press release,

The Pet Valu U.S. team is proud to have met the needs of our devoted pet lover customers in the U.S. for more than 25 years. However, the Company's stores have been significantly impacted by the protracted COVID-19-related restrictions. After a thorough review of all available alternatives, we made the difficult but necessary decision to commence this orderly wind down.

He continued, "during the store closing process, we will continue to provide our customers with the same great in-store experience, offering them even better deals and value. We will work to assist our dedicated associates through the transition. We thank all of them for their commitment to our company and our customers, and especially for going above and beyond so we could help customers as an essential service during the pandemic."

Locally, PetValu has stores in Mays Landing, Hammonton, Somers Point, Galloway, Sicklerville, Glassboro, West Berlin, Sewell, Cape May Court House, Laurel Springs, Voorhees, Somerdale, Mullica Hill, Deptford, Manahawkin, Marlton, Lumberton, Browns Mills, Gibbstown, and many other locations.

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