Amid national restructuring, pet supply chain will close 8 stores in Maine

Eight Maine stores are among the locations of Loyal Companion stores slated to close at the end of the month.

Independent Pet Partners, which owns the store chain, said it plans to restructure its business lines as part of a Chapter 11 filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. 

Loyal Companion has stores in Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Saco, North Windham, Topsham, Lewiston and Sanford.

Some 93 stores are earmarked for closure, including stores under the Natural Pawz brand. 

“With a heavy heart, we want to inform you that we’ve made the tough decision to close our Loyal Companion stores. We have loved serving the community and supporting you on your pet wellness journey,” the company said in a note on loyalcompanion.com.

The stores will close at the end of February. Until then, the retailer will offer liquidation discounts. 

Independent Pet Partners, which is headquartered in Woodbury, Minn., said it will refocus on its core markets in Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. It will also consolidate its four brands — Chuck & Don’s, Loyal Companion, Kriser’s and Natural Pawz — under the Chuck & Don’s and Kriser’s banners, with 66 stores. 

The parent company cited “challenges related to our early growth strategies,” the effects of the pandemic and a maturing credit facilities, among other factors. It said it was unable to find a buyer prior to the bankruptcy filing, according to a filing with the company claims agent.