After nearly seven decades of serving the community, Pet City Mt Gravatt is looking for new ownership, marking a new chapter for the beloved local institution that hopes to continue servicing local customers and their pets for many more years to come.
The shop, now up for sale, has been a cornerstone of the Mt Gravatt community since its inception as Mt Gravatt Produce Agency in 1957 by Evio Contenati and his brother-in-law Frank.
As Pet City Mt Gravatt prepares to pass the torch, Kim Peries, the daughter of Mr Contenati, envisions a future where the shop remains family-owned, perhaps even taken over by a loyal customer who understands its deep roots in the community. She hopes its legacy as a destination store cherished by generations of customers will continue.
The sale marks a bittersweet moment for Mr Contenati and Ms Peries, who have poured their hearts into the business.
The store’s evolution from a produce supplier to a thriving pet emporium mirrors the community’s changing needs. In the 1960s, the shop started selling dog food due to television advertisements on the Graham Kennedy Show. Following this foray into pet supplies, the company started selling clean, graded bird seeds and racing pigeons, which quickly became significant parts of the business.
By the 1970s, with his brother-in-law’s retirement and a growing demand for pet products, Mr Contenati rebranded the store as Pet City Mt Gravatt. The new shop, spanning 1000 sq m, became a destination for pet owners and enthusiasts, a reputation it maintains today.
Ms Peries started working at the shop at the tender age of 13 and played a pivotal role in shaping its unique identity.
It was a pioneer in many ways. It was the first pet store in Queensland to offer puppy preschool, and is actively engaged in charity work, bird conventions, and even reptile care training courses for other pet shops. The store’s dedication to the industry was noticed.
Pet City Mt. Gravatt stands out as a leading pet care center, offering a unique all-in-one experience for pet owners. The store has pioneered the concept of a complete pet department store, employing over 40 specialist staff across various pet care areas to provide expert knowledge and advice to all customers.
This commitment to expertise has earned Pet City Mt. Gravatt multiple industry awards and accreditation from the Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA). The store boasts an extensive range of pet products rarely found under one roof, catering to diverse pet care needs.
For enquiries about the sale, phone Grant Turner Ray White Commercial via 0457 766 812 or Julie Ryan at 0447 445 453.
Published Date 02-August-2024
