Jollyes Pets opened its 125th store at The Valley shopping centre, Evesham, last week.
The new store has created seven roles, including a manager and a deputy manager.
The first VIP (very important pet) through the doors of the shop, which launched on 14 August, was local dog Jax, a cockapoo who received a lifestage goody bag to celebrate “being the first paws through the door”.
Councillor Bill Kimberley and mayoress Cllr Mrs Celia Kimberley of Evesham carried out the official ribbon cutting of the store, alongside Jollyes supply chain director David Stokes and chief financial officer Gary Temple.
They were joined by Hylas, a sprocker spaniel who is potentially going to become an explosives detection dog, and Cardi, who has recently retired from her role as a general-purpose patrol dog who is supported by the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA), Jollyes’ national charity partner.
Visitors to the store on its launch day “enjoyed a day full of fur-tastic fun,” which included meeting the retailer’s mascot Molly the cat.
Shoppers also had the chance to win prizes on Jollyes’ “Wheel of Fur-tune”.
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Jollyes “Summer Squad” returned to the store, an Amalfi Coast inspired tricycle that “brought a taste of summer” to the shop.
As part of this, a Jollyes brand ambassador handed out free Frozzys ice-creams for dogs, helping them keep cool while their owners explored the new store.
On 22 August, the store is also set to see entertainment, and another chance for customers to participate in games, win prizes, and have a go on the Wheel of Fur-tune.
Jollyes Pets area manager Jonty Cornes said: “We’re delighted to finally open the doors and welcome customers on the red carpet to the new store here in Evesham.
“It was great to see so many dogs come and see their new pet store, including our first VIP paws through the door – Jax.
“The whole team here is excited to bring their pet expertise and value that’s been making a real difference to pet parents right across the UK.”
The launch comes after Jollyes released the locations of over 160 towns and cities across Britain where it would like to open new stores over the next five years in April, if the right sites become available.
The company’s next set of store openings will be Great Yarmouth on 21 August, Seaham on 11 September, Sheffield on 25 September, and Mansfield on 6 October.
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