Animals in need of loving home: It’s the end of the road for Hoffer’s Tropic Life Pet Center

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- When the first store opened in 1973, it measured about 600 square feet. 41 years later, the facility houses more than 26,000 square feet of pets and supplies. But now, the owner of Hoffer’s Tropic Life Pet Center says he’s preparing to shut down for good.

The reserved reptiles, frisky felines and American alligators are all among the amazing animals who have lived within the walls of Hoffer’s Tropic Life Pets. But on Monday, October 13th, owner Mike Hoffer says economic pressures are pushing him to close what he says is the country’s largest pet store of its kind. It’ll close before the end of this year. Mike Hoffer joins Studio A to talk about the animals inside the store that need a loving home.

“More and more people are buying online — and it, it hurts,” said Hoffer.