Shops at the double for independent pet store Dewkes
SWANSEA-BASED Dewkes Pet Store is celebrating the rapid growth of its business with the opening of a second shop in Sketty and the launch of a new subscription service.
The independent, family-run pet store launched in Mumbles last year and over the last 12 months has seen huge demand for its products and services.
Director James Bygate said: “Since we started in Mumbles last January, we have been overwhelmed by the positive reaction we have received from our customers and are thrilled to be opening our second shop in such a short space of time.”
Known for its dog spa and grooming service as well as the extensive range of nutritious foods it stocks for a wide variety of pets, one aspect of the business that makes it stand out is the “farmhouse” feel to each store.
“We wanted to create an environment where our passion for pets shines through,” said James, “And thanks to the hard work of my wife Jane, our Manager Sally-ann Stevens and the rest of the team, we’ve created a retail experience that both our customers and their pets can enjoy.”
Alongside the bricks and mortar element to the business, the company has also invested in its pop-up shop.
Sally said: “We frequently attend multiple farmers’ markets and are regulars at the markets in Mumbles, Uplands, Swansea Marina and many other locations as well as more recently in Swansea Market.”
The game-changer, however, will be the combination of bricks and mortar with a strong web presence and in particular, their new subscription service.
“If the lockdown taught us anything, it is the need to have a home delivery service that is simple for people to use,” said James. “So, alongside our local deliveries and click and collect, we have invested in a new website that will give customers an even easier way to order from us.”
The new site will offer a host of new features and benefits, including the ability to set up subscriptions for regular deliveries on a weekly, monthly or bimonthly basis. As well as pet food delivered to customers’ homes or workplaces, the team will also be launching a Treat Box Subscription service for dogs, where people can have organic, nutritious treats sent as regularly as required.
“Our dog treat range is always popular with visitors to our store,” said Jane.
“And we’ve been asked a few times by customers if we can post out a box of treats, either for their own dogs or as a gift for someone else’s.”
With a puppy range as well as a “pubpack”, designed to keep furry friends occupied while you enjoy a meal, the new treat subscription service is sure to be another reason for people to visit Dewkes.
The new store is located at 92 Gower Road, Sketty, Swansea, SA2 9BZ (opposite Tesco) and is open Monday to Saturday, 9am-5.30pm.