Launch of pet stores

The Wynnstay Group is scheduled to open its first Just For Pets store next month in Telford.

It is planned to be the first of a chain run by the company, which is widely known for its range of products and services aimed mainly at farmers and others living in the country.

The aim is to open 20 stores in the next five years.

The company's marketing manager Andrew Evans said Wynnstay had identified a gap in the market in what was a £4 billion industry.

"Pets at Home is the market leader with more than 170 stores and the next biggest chain has 42 stores, so there is a big opportunity here," he said.

"Something like 48 per cent of households have pets so it is clearly a big market."

Making expert advice available in the stores will be a key component of Just For Pets, said Andrew.

"The personal advice to customers will be an important aspect to us. We will train staff to offer all kinds of specialist pet advice on health, nutrition and other aspects," he said.

It is envisaged that the stores, the first of which will be at Ketley, Telford, will initially offer pet products only and not sell animals.

The group had spotted a growth in the market at its 24 general stores, which already sell some pet products, accounting for 13 per cent of sales.

Recruitment for the new store has already begun, with a positive response. Initially there will probably be about four jobs, though there may well be the need for additional staff as the store grows.

Wynnstay's purchasing manager Paul Godwin, who moved to the group from the Focus DIY chain, added: "We will have a lot of competition and it's not going to be easy. But we believe we will be very competitive and slightly cheaper than Pets At Home. We are very confident."