Tucked in the heart of Marblehead, Worldly Pets has long been more than a pet supply store; it’s been a dependable, friendly fixture for local animal lovers for the past 18 years. Now, the store is em-barking on a new chapter with a familiar face at the helm.
On May 23, Kate Rhodes, a Marblehead native with a lifelong passion for animals, officially took over ownership of Worldly Pets from longtime proprietors Diane and Gail. The transition comes not with sweeping changes but with a deep respect for the store’s history and a promise to preserve what the community already knows and loves.
“Honestly, I think it had to do with excellent timing and some good luck,” said Rhodes. “I knew that Diane and Gail were looking for new owners. I’ve known them for a while, so I just started to think about what it might look like to take over such a well-established local business.”
With support and encouragement from her friends and family, Rhodes took a leap of faith, one that now places her in charge of a store that played a part in her own upbringing.
“A few short months later, I’m here, learning something new every day,” she said. “So it’s quite exciting.”
Growing up in Marblehead, Rhodes was surrounded by animals.
Her experience includes hands-on work with a local dog trainer and behaviorist in town, and a four-year stint at Atlantic Veterinary Hospital. Through those roles, she developed strong bonds with pet owners and their animals, relationships she now hopes to continue building from behind the counter.
“I’ve always had family dogs, which I loved and adored,” she said. “The chance to shift my love of animals to the retail side of things kind of further expanded my view of how I might take my love of animals into a new role to support the community.”
For Marblehead, Rhodes’ return to Worldly Pets is as much a homecoming as it is a business transaction. She’s already been heartened by the warm response.
“It’s been really fun to see my friends and family and people I haven’t seen in years come in and support the business,” Rhodes said. “I feel really lucky.”
Though Rhodes is now in charge, she has no plans to reinvent what isn’t broken.
“I don’t have any immediate plans to change anything,” she said. “It’s a very well-oiled machine, and there’s a very loyal customer base. My goal is to continue to provide the same level of support and products that Diane and Gail provided for over 18 years.”
That said, Rhodes is actively listening to customer feedback and considering small updates that align with community needs.
“For example, I’ve had a lot of people ask about changing the business hours just to better accommodate their schedules, which I totally understand,” she said. “So while nothing is formalized yet, look for an announcement in the coming weeks.”
Some things, however, will remain the same. Worldly Pets will continue to offer its popular Monday through Friday delivery service — a convenience many customers rely on. While the store will not offer grooming or pet-sitting services under Rhodes’ ownership, she says she’s happy to provide referrals to trusted local providers.
And customers might see a new friendly face around the shop: Rhodes’ 5-year-old rescue dog, Rusty.
“He might be around the shop, maybe in person, maybe in images,” she said. “He might not be formally hired as the shop mascot, but he certainly has that role in my heart.”
Rhodes’ commitment to community and continuity has not gone unnoticed.
“One of the best things about a transition in business like this is that the store stays open and operational and carries on the same theme and passion as previous owners,” said Katherine Koch, executive director of the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce.
“Often when a store closes, a new business comes in with a totally different vibe,” Koch added. “But it’s so incredible when a business is taken over by someone who wants to maintain that original mission and presence in our town. Kate is absolutely the right person to do that.”
The Chamber of Commerce has already begun working to support Rhodes and Worldly Pets through the transition. “We’re going to do everything from ribbon cutting to announcements to promotions and just really make sure that Kate feels supported,” Koch said. “The entire mission of the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce is to support our local small businesses in any way we can.”
Koch also took time to recognize the legacy of previous owners Diane and Gail, whose dedication sustained Worldly Pets for nearly two decades, even through the most difficult of times.
“They established a well-revered and much-loved establishment,” Koch said. “The fact that they continued to provide amazing service and products throughout those 18 years, including during the very difficult years of COVID, is really a testament to what small local businesses can accomplish.”
While their departure marks the end of an era, Koch said the community is both grateful and excited.
“They will be missed,” she said, “but at the same time, we are thrilled for the new owner to come in and continue their legacy.”
As Rhodes settles into her new role, her sights are set on continued connection with her customers, her town and her mission.
“I’m most excited to continue connecting with customers, learning every day and finding different ways to continue the legacy of this longstanding fixture in our wonderful town,” she said. “Come by and say hi.”
