Covid-19
Covid-19 disrupted every level of the UK pet industry — from in-store operations and customer behaviour to global supply chains and product availability. Under this tag, Pet Gazette examines the commercial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on pet shops, distributors, importers, and suppliers. Coverage includes lockdown trading conditions, workforce challenges, logistics disruption, e-commerce growth, and the long-term shift in consumer purchasing patterns. We also report on government support schemes, safety regulations, and how the pandemic has reshaped strategic planning across the petcare sector.
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Nov- 2020 -17 NovemberFeatures
The rise of D2C in pet care – How are brands adjusting to a new marketplace?
As lockdown restrictions have influenced major consumer behaviour changes, especially when it comes to shopping habits, it’s no surprise that brands across a variety of sectors have been tapping into D2C offerings as they present an easier, safer and more reliable option of purchasing. The pet care industry is no…
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9 NovemberCoronavirus
Pfizer reveals Covid-19 vaccine candidate is 90% effective
A successful Covid-19 vaccine is a step closer after Pfizer/Biontech revealed its vaccine candidate is 90% effective, according to its first interim analysis. The findings, which are well above the 50% effectiveness for a vaccine to be approved, comes following a clinical trial which involved over 43,000 people. Some 42%…
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5 NovemberCoronavirus
PIF members confused with CFSG advice for animal businesses
Pet Industry Federation members (PIF) are confused with the “conflicting information” provided by the Canine and Feline Sector group (CFSG), regarding advice for animal related businesses during Covid-19. In a report issued by the CFSG, pet groomers may only remain open to treat an animal for “welfare reasons”, however members…
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2 NovemberRetailers
Luxury pet business launches in Belfast
The owners of a new business selling luxury gifts for pets have opened in Belfast, after it saw online sales surge during lockdown. According to local blog Love Belfast, Murphy and Bailey’s first bricks-and-mortar store has been opened by business partners Karen Breene and Judith Scott, who launched the company…
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Oct- 2020 -26 OctoberTrade Organisations
OATA welcomes new board directors
The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) has welcomed three new directors to its board. The new members were welcomed to the group at its latest Annual General Meeting held Ballot papers were sent to all OATA members prior to the meeting, and the final count was taken at the AGM…
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22 OctoberIndustry News
PitPat adds FirstVet to its Life plan member scheme
PitPat has announced a partnership with FirstVet to help its members during Covid-19. The company which provides online fitness trackers for dogs has teamed up with FirstVet to allow customers to access “on-demand” video consultations with “local, qualified veterinarians.” PitPat formed the idea due to “continued restrictions brought about by…
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22 OctoberRetailers
Marston pet shop converted to charity shop
The former owner of Marston-based pet shop Pads and Paws has given his lease to a hospice charity but will continue to run the site, according to local paper the Oxford Mail. Sean Woodward reportedly made the move after witnessing the work Sobell House Hospice does “first-hand”, later asking the…
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20 OctoberCoronavirus
Manchester moved into Tier three
Prime minister Boris Johnson has announced that Manchester will be placed into Tier 3 Covid-19 restrictions, after talks between mayor Andy Burnham and the UK government collapsed. As a result of being placed under Tier 3, pubs and restaurants must close unless they are supplying substantial meals and outside household…
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19 OctoberCoronavirus
Wales announces ‘firebreak’ lockdown
The Welsh government has announced a two-week “firebreak” national lockdown, which will force business closures across the country from 23 October at 6pm until Monday 9 November. According to BBC News, first minister Mark Drakeford said the “time-limited firebreak” will be “a short, sharp, shock to turn back the clock,…
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19 OctoberIndustry News
Walker and Drake plans team expansion
Walker and Drake, a dog food business located in Barnsley, has announced plans to hire three new field sales executives. The business, which sells cold pressed dog food, launched originally in June 2020, but due to the Covid-19 lockdown Walker and Drake made most of its sales online via its…
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