Owner's Death Puts Petland Out Of Business

Petland Discounts will close its 10 New Jersey stores, costing nearly 300 workers their jobs, following the death of the company's owner and founder.

Petland Discount in Westwood is among the 10 New Jersey stores to close.
Photo Credit: *Google Maps*

Cecilia Levine

02/02/2019 4:54 p.m.

Neil Padron, who was 74 when he succumbed to bladder cancer last month, launched the business in September 1965 in Queens, N.Y. -- originally as a tropical fish store.

Petland Discounts at its peak had 118 locations across the tri-state area.

All existing locations are expected to close, including 10 in New Jersey: Westwood, Paterson, Jersey City, West New York, North Bergen, Bayonne, Elizabeth, Orange and Irvington.

Petland filed layoff notices to the New Jersey Department of Labor for more than 30 positions at each location by March 19.

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