Weekender: A duo of ‘unique’ retailers set up shop in Waterdale Shopping Centre

Two new stores have joined the retail lineup at the Village in Doncaster’s Waterdale Shopping Centre.

Pet store Reptile Rendezvous and Furry Friends, and party supplier K & A Occasions have opened at the Village, which is owned by developer and regeneration firm St. Modwen.

Located at 28 Kingsgate, the pet store has taken an 816 sq ft unit, following the success of its pop-up store last summer.

Snakes, lizards and invertebrates are among the pets for sale, alongside pet food and animal encounters with reptiles and small mammals, including a raccoon, skunk, meerkats and armadillo.

The store also offers onsite and offsite children’s parties as well as educational talks to schools, care homes and after school clubs.  

Lucan Handley, founder of Reptile Rendezvous and Furry Friends, said: “We started Reptile Rendezvous four years ago, focusing mainly on animal encounters and educational experiences. The popularity of the business has grown rapidly and expanding into a pet shop was a natural next step.

“We were asked to take part in a pop-up family fun day at the Village at Waterdale in August last year, and the space we were provided with was perfect for our business, we had to take it on a permanent basis.”

Founded by Kirsty Riccardo and Amy Christian, K&A Occasions specialises in balloons, corporate balloons that can be delivered to businesses, chair covers, wedding décor, candy floss machines, slushie drink machines, popcorn machines, bouncy castles, soft play, sweet carts, party bags and other party accessories for corporate events, weddings and parties.

Taking 1,210 sq ft of space on a two-year lease, the party supplier is located at 8 Kingsgate and includes has a children’s play area.

Riccardo said: “It was important for us to continue to trade locally and the space at the Village at Waterdale is perfect for us. We’re able to remain central in Doncaster with easy access and parking for our loyal customers.

“As two working mums it was key for us to expand our business. We also have a soft play area in-store for parents and children to come and not only shop but enjoy quality time together.

“Since opening, we have been well-received by the local community and our business is already going from strength to strength, with our range expanding all the time.”

Rebecca Berry, centre manager at the Village at Waterdale, added: “We’re pleased to welcome both K & A Occasions and Reptile Rendezvous to centre. We’re known locally for having a unique shopping experience and they are the perfect addition to our range of shops.”

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