Covid
Covid-19 had a profound and lasting impact on the UK pet industry, reshaping consumer habits, retail operations, and supply chain resilience. Under this tag, Pet Gazette explores how pet shops, distributors, and petcare brands navigated lockdown restrictions, staffing challenges, product shortages, and evolving customer expectations. We also report on the post-Covid trading landscape — including lasting shifts towards online sales, changes in in-store footfall, altered buying patterns, and recovery strategies. Coverage is tailored to support pet retailers and supply chain professionals adapting to the sector’s ongoing evolution in the wake of the pandemic.
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Sep- 2020 -17 SeptemberRetailers
Middlesbrough pet shop and groomers brought to market
A North Ormesby pet shop and dog groomers has been brought to market for £93,995, according to Teesside Live. Sweeney Dog opened in 2012 and has since built up a customer base of 2,500 regular customers. The store sells supplies, small animals and aquatics. The business is owned by Terry…
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17 SeptemberGovernment & Legislation
Government extends commercial eviction ban until end of year
The government has decided to extend its commercial property eviction ban until the end of 2020. Businesses have been shielded from eviction over the last six months through the lease forfeiture and debt enforcement moratoria, which was originally set to end on 1 October. Retail and hospitality trade associations, including…
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15 SeptemberCoronavirus
Unemployment rate rises to 4.1% in July
The rate of unemployment in the UK increased 0.2% to 4.1% in the two months to July 2020, according to the ONS. The UK economic inactivity rate was also estimated at a joint record low of 20.2%, 0.6 percentage points lower than the previous year and 0.3 percentage points lower…
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11 SeptemberFeatures
The future of pet retailing
Following a survey of our members, we have a clear picture of the impact of Covid-19 on the pet food industry to this point. Initially, sales in pet food peaked. People were stockpiling other essential items, and this was extended to pet food. This was followed by a small trough…
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11 SeptemberCoronavirus
Businesses hit by local lockdowns to receive grants
Businesses in England that are required to shut due to local lockdowns will now be able to claim up to £1,500 per property every three weeks, the Government has announced. Chief secretary to the Treasury, Steve Barclay, announced the new funding plan yesterday (10 September) as part of ongoing efforts…
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10 SeptemberSponsored
Pet treats boom as Brits bid to beat lockdown blues
Britain’s cats and dogs have emerged from lockdown licking their lips as pet treats sales boom, the first annual petcare market report, released by market leader Mars Petcare, reveals. Across the board, treats value sales surged year on year from the week of the UK’s first Covid-19 case in February…
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10 SeptemberFeatures
How pet brands can best utilise social media
During lockdown there was a surge in sales for pet related products with new puppies, kittens, and everything else in between joining happy households right across the UK. Sales and demand for pet food and accessories have been strong, but for many brands (especially more niche ones) that poses a…
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10 SeptemberBusiness
Government launches new ‘bounce back’ plan for retailers
A new series of measures has been announced by the UK Government to support businesses in the consumer and retail industries during the Covid-19 pandemic. The plans, announced by Minister for exports Graham Stuart, will offer immediate support to businesses by ensuring specialists provide advice on online retail and international…
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4 SeptemberCharities
Dog rescue charity appeals for funding
A dog rescue charity in Bishop’s Castle has appealed for funds after Covid-19 put a “strain” on the group’s finances. According to a local report from the Shropshire Star, funding at Dog’s Bodies has seen its fundraising “dry up” during the crisis. The charity predominantly rescues dogs whose owners have…
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3 SeptemberFeatures
HMRC and Covid-19: One hand giveth, the other taketh away
One hand giveth HMRC was responsible for overseeing and implementing the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”) and other furlough schemes. Its ensuring that monies were paid under the Government’s various furlough support schemes has been impressive. Although the guidance on who was entitled to monies under the CJRS was…
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