Pandemic halted PetPlace 50-year celebrations.. but not 2021 expansion plans

PETPLACE entered 2020 with big plans for its landmark 50th anniversary.

When Coronavirus took hold in the UK many of those ideas were put on the backburner, but instead – with the support of customers and loyal partners in the supply chain – the award-winning retailer is celebrating the success of the entire pet trade during these difficult times.

Managing Director Sion Pritchard believes working closely with some of the industry’s top names enabled them to manage an increase in online orders during the initial lockdown and continue to provide for the needs of their customers in the following months.

Among those to have helped them along the way were Vital Pet Group, Adios, PetSafe, Danish Design Pet Products and Nature’s Menu, who presented PetPlace with their inaugural Retailer of the Month Award recently.

“Having such a strong connection with our suppliers and partners has been crucial during the pandemic,” said Sion.

“We have always worked closely together but when online sales began to increase and we moved to click and collect, the flexibility and positivity of our suppliers in the trade enabled us to meet demand and respond quickly.

“This is not the 50th anniversary we expected to have but I am proud of the way our team responded and would like to thank everyone who supported us throughout the year, including the new businesses that came on board as suppliers.

“While it has been incredibly challenging, there have been lessons learned and we go into next year with a positive approach and with pride for the sector we are a part of.”

Richard Roe, Key Account Manager at Vital Pet Group, congratulated Sion and the team on their continued success.

“It comes as no surprise to see this innovative retailer thrive, despite the challenges imposed by the current pandemic,” said Richard.

“We look forward to continuing to build our longstanding relationship, working together to ensure their stores always stock an exciting range of products that drive traffic and sales.”

Rob Newsome, Director of Sales and Operations at Danish Design, added: “We are proud to be long-standing suppliers of PetPlace and it is really great to see their continued growth and success through the pandemic.

“We have strived to keep going and supply our customers as normal through 2020 and delighted that PetPlace has shown their support and launched our new AW20 range in past weeks. Massive congratulations on the anniversary and all the best for the next 50 years!”