Pet product retailers across the length and breadth of the UK flung open their doors on Saturday 13th July to mark the first ever National Pet Shop Day, with more than 200 joining the official roll call of participants.
A celebration of the significant role that pet shops and stores have within local communities – National Pet Shop Day 2024 saw swathes of pet owners pop along to their local retailer to enjoy the numerous pop-up parties, events, and festivities – all offering a greater insight into the huge range of support, products, services and advice that high street retailers provide direct to those concerned for their pet’s health and wellbeing.
Pet shops and stores of all sizes throughout the UK, embraced the opportunity to thank their existing customers and encourage in new ones, by hosting a range of interactive instore activities including, free pet photography, prize draws, discounts, cake stalls, goodie bags, and freebies, to name just a few.
Some even used the day to raise funds for other local animal charities, showcasing once again just why the nation’s pet shops and stores are so special, and deserving of a day celebrating the positive contribution they make within society.
Paul Gwynn, Managing Director at Johnson’s Veterinary Products, explained: “Pet shops and stores are the local health and wellbeing hubs of the pet world. They offer direct face-to-face support and advice to pet owners, by sharing healthcare and product knowledge based on years, sometimes decades of experience caring for the pets we love.
“These retailers are so much more than just a point of purchase. They are critical to the relationship pet owners have with their pets and fill so many roles – a friendly ear, a trusted confidante, an experienced advisor and a source of innovation.
“We launched National Pet Shop Day as a way of saying thank you to these businesses for all that they do, and to encourage more pet owners to explore the range of affordable wellbeing support and care services they have on their doorstep.
“It’s been humbling and incredibly rewarding to see the support that this initiative has received from the retailers themselves, and from the communities in which they operate.
“We genuinely hope that by championing the nation’s pet shops and stores, and celebrating the benefits of shopping with them, we will continue to help give animal lovers the confidence they can handle their pet’s conditions effectively and efficiently, without always breaking the bank.”
PIF member, Johnson’s Veterinary Products, launched National Pet Shop Day in 2024 to mark the ongoing, positive contribution of pet shops and stores, and celebrate their dedication, knowledge, and experience in supporting the nation’s pet owners.
It is evident from the support offered by retailers and consumers alike, that this will become an annual event, likely to grow in importance as more people come to understand the vital role fulfilled by their local pet shop or store, in these cost-of-living conscious times.
For more information visit nationalpetshopday.com
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Dan Everett