JUST BEYOND its current spot on Route 101 in Bedford, construction has started on a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for Wholistic Pet Organics.
Site work started this summer with crews still chipping away at ledge on the corner of Route 101 and Hardy Road. The company’s retail venture, The Wholistic Pet, will remain at its current spot once the manufacturing space is complete.
The new 17,000-square-foot light industrial (assembly) warehouse will be used to assemble its specialty pet health supplements for dogs, cats and horses. The products include multivitamins and products for antioxidant support, digestive support, immune support, joint support and skin and coat health.
The company started in 1998 and expanded into retail in 2007. The operation and products are certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said owner John Phillips.
Part of the process includes an audit to make sure all the ingredients are certified organic.
“Materials can’t be commingled or next to things that are not certified organic,” Phillips said of the rigorous process.
The new facility will help the company continue to grow its sales, which has gross sales between $5 and $10 million a year, and to develop new products. The company sells to shops and distributors all over the world.
“We do a lot of work to grow our international base,” Phillips said.
Customers can also buy the products directly from Amazon, Chewy, Petco, Walmart and other online retailers.
Phillips looked at multiple properties before seeing the land nearby for sale. They wanted to stay in Bedford, which has been their home for about 26 years.
“We need a bigger facility to meet the demand for growth that we foresee in the next few years,” he said.
The building will cost about $7.5 million with the company securing financing from Bedford-based Primary Bank.
“The business is well-known in Bedford and invests in local sports organizations and animal rescues, and they will continue to do so,” Phillips said. The retail store offers pet food and other products for pets made by other manufacturers as well.
“We are cemented in the community. We are not a PetSmart. We are not a Pet Supplies Plus that has no ties to the community,” he said. “We are locally owned and operated and we are very proud of that.”
The new manufacturing space is set to open next summer.
Pampered pets
Along with taking healthy supplements, pets need to be pampered as well.
Tailswag, a locally owned pet boutique and treat bar, relocated to 50 Main St. in Littleton. The building is at the corner of Main and Jackson streets.
The brand, which opened on Mill Street in 2021, carries “unique and high-quality accessories, supplies, and more for dogs, cats, and people,” according to a news release. The grand opening took place Saturday.
“I am unbelievably excited to be relocating to Main Street and joining the many other awesome and unique businesses in town,” owner Paige Roberts said in a statement.
Some of the brands sold include Sodapup, Polkadog, Wolfgang Man & Beast, Wilderdog, Simply B Vermont, and more.
Leashed dogs are welcome in the store and appointments can be made for harness and apparel fittings for reactive dogs. The business offers subscriptions and boxes, which can be purchased online and shipped.
Ready for a spin?
Pedego Electric Bikes opened in Salem this past spring, but a ribbon cutting is set for Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. The store is located at 236 N. Broadway.
Pedego claims to be the largest chain of electric bike stores in North America, but is locally owned, according to its website.
The brand offers more than 20 electric bike models and accompanying accessories. Customers can come in for a free test ride or rent a bike for an entire day to make sure it is the best fit.
“We believe in finding the perfect bike for you, and our ‘Try Before You Buy’ program allows you to do just that,” a Facebook post reads.
Out of commission
The Starbucks on busy South River Road in Bedford is closed for renovations. Customers are encouraged to visit stores in Goffstown or Manchester, but there is also an outpost at the Target down the street.
“We are renovating to better serve you and look forward to welcoming you back soon!” a sign reads.
The store is expected to reopen in early 2024.
Working up a sweat
The Hotworx brand continues to grow in New Hampshire with its latest location coming soon to 8 Loudon Road in Concord.
Hotworx was the first tenant in a new commercial building at 1045 Hanover St. in Manchester.
The infrared fitness studio gives members 24-hour access to a variety of “virtually instructed, infrared sauna workouts,” according to its website. The offerings include a 30-minute isometric workout or 15-minute high intensity interval training session.
The brand’s patented sauna combines heat, infrared and exercise — or “3D Training” as they call it.
If you have an interesting business or commercial real estate story idea email reporter Jonathan Phelps at jphelps@unionleader.com.
