Pet products retailer snapped up by national operator
Nationwide pet retailer, Jollyes, has today confirmed it is buying The Pet Store and its three Yorkshire stores for an undisclosed sum.
Established by Barnsley entrepreneur Liz Bowers in 1991, The Pet Store has built up a loyal customer following in Yorkshire, with branches in Barnsley, Denby Dale and Wakefield.
The agreement to acquire The Pet Store is the latest move by Kester Capital-backed Jollyes to accelerate its growth plans.
The Pet Store customers will still be able find the same ranges they’ve come to appreciate, with advice provided by the same staff across the three stores.
Richard Cotter, executive chairman of Jollyes, said he was looking forward to the three stores joining the Jollyes team.
He added: “Liz has built up a wonderful business over the last 30 years – it’s clear her customers love the whole team and the service they’ve given Yorkshire pet lovers.
“Nothing pleases us more than that Liz has agreed to help lead the transition at the three stores as the team joins our Jollyes family.
“We’re excited at the addition of The Pet Store to our family and the start we’ve made to our growth plans.”
Bowers said: “We all can’t wait to start wearing the Jollyes red jumper. Over the course of the last few months, we’ve got to know the Jollyes team well and they’ve been fantastic to deal with. They’re already family.
“I know Jollyes share the same values we do and I’m certain the business I’ve nurtured over the last three decades is in very good hands.”
The Pet Store employs 10 staff who will join the 720-strong workforce across the Jollyes nationwide network.
The three stores will complement Jollyes existing outlets in Yorkshire in Doncaster, Halifax, Keighley, Leeds, Selby, Sheffield and Wakefield.
In its most recent quarter, Jollyes delivered 21% like-for-like growth compared to the same period in 2019.
For the 12 months to May 2021, revenue increased 13% to £77m compared to 2020.
Following this investment, Jollyes expects to open more new stores through targeted strategic acquisition of smaller pet retailers and by taking on new leases in carefully selected locations across the UK.
