PETCO scheduled to open in Swampscott

SWAMPSCOTT – PETCO could be opening at the former Trader Joe’s site in Vinnin Square as early as this fall.Attorney Chris Drucas, who represents PETCO locally, said the company hopes to open the store in early October.”We went before the Planning Board in April,” he said. “They approved it and we went before the Zoning Board of Appeals last week and have their approval.”Dan Doherty, who is a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, said PETCO was granted a special permit for signage and the ZBA imposed conditions on where shopping carts could be stored.”It was pretty routine,” he said. “There’s a new business going in where another business was. No one was there in opposition to it.”Drucas said the company has applied for a building permit and he expects work to begin on the site June 1.Drucas said PETCO sells small animals, pet supplies and pet products.”Grooming services are a significant part of their business,” he added.Calls to PETCO’s corporate offices were not returned this week but Drucas said he expects the store to employ 12 people when it is up and running. PETCO has more than 950 stores in the United States.