Just for Pets steps up UK expansion strategy
Just for Pets has opened two new stores in the Midlands as part of its UK expansion strategy.
The pet retailer has recently launched a 10,000 square foot shop in Stafford at Kingsmead Retail Park, which is its biggest to date. Situated between B&M and Aldi, the branch features a treat station for product sampling and a free-to-use dog weighing area.
Meanwhile, a new store in Worcestershire’s Evesham Shopping Park opened in August next to Marks & Spencer. Spanning 5,410 square feet of ground floor and mezzanine space, the shop is a relocation from Just for Pets’ previous store in Evesham town centre.
Just for Pets was acquired in October 2017 by Pedigree Wholesale, a family-owned distributor of nearly 50 years in the pet sector. To help accelerate its expansion plans, the company has enlisted property consultancy Carter Jonas to seek out new store sites spanning 2,500 to 6,500 square feet in roadside, edge of town and retail park locations, although larger units will be considered. Areas of particular interest include locations bounded by Derby to the north, Bristol and Bath to the south and Hereford to Milton Keynes.
Just for Pets now operates 19 branches and aims to open a further six by the end of 2022.
Stuart Williams, partner, commercial at Carter Jonas, said: “Just for Pets is on a remarkable journey. Its clear vision and targeted growth strategy, putting customers front and centre, has enabled it to secure sites at key locations with a dedicated team focused on building community links and brand loyalty. This approach, which has re-energised the retail proposition, continues to gather momentum and is particularly appealing to landlords.”
