When COVID-19 hit, the grooming industry changed overnight.
We had to pivot. We had to change and adapt to new consumer habits and local mandates. Despite the hardships, the industry is rebounding in a way that—at first glance—seems hopeful. Optimistic. And thriving.
We’re especially feeling the winds of change here at Groomer’s Choice as this year, we plan on going to new and greater heights. One of those changes is effectively doubling the square footage of our Sioux Falls, South Dakota headquarters and warehouse facility. When construction is done, the building will stand at an impressive 125,000 square feet, which will house expanded manufacturing lines, a brand new shipping and fulfillment space, warehouse storage and offices.
Construction on Groomer's Choice's new 70,000 sq. ft. addition at the Sioux Falls, S.D., headquarters as of October 27, 2020.
Dan Dressen, CEO of Groomer’s Choice/Senproco, Inc. says the need and timing for the expansion is more apparent than ever after discussing the project for nearly a year.
“This expansion will allow [Groomer’s Choice] to grow 300 to 400% over the next 10 years,” said Dressen. “It will particularly allow us to grow our core business, manufacturing.”
Dressen says manufacturing is the primary focus of the project, allowing the company to add a second line for producing various shampoo sizes simultaneously to meet increased demand. Construction is expected to last six months with an approximate completion in March 2021.
“I’m just so excited for this next phase,” Dressen continued. “My original dream was to take the company to the level it currently is. This takes us to a level beyond my original dream.”
Of course, the expansion of our headquarters brings about two more exciting changes: a growing workforce and new products! Due to increased demand in manufacturing, Groomer’s Choice is looking to fill more warehouse positions in Sioux Falls. All our house brands are manufactured in this facility, so you can imagine the incredible boost this will provide when we can double our current rate of manufacturing.
And with this change in place, we will also be better equipped to manufacture new products and product lines. While many of these products are still in development stages, we are excited to launch new coat care, specialty supplies for grooming salons and self-serve pet washes, and equipment. More details on these will be released in future catalogs.
To top everything off, we will be releasing a new web user experience, which will streamline online orders, offer expansive resources for grooming and shampoo knowledge, and make it easier to shop from your mobile device.
Groomer's Choice customers will soon experience a new website format for www.groomerschoice.com.
Things are definitely changing here at Groomer’s Choice in 2021, and we’re ready for the adventure.