The Giant Pet Store, which claims to be Norfolk's largest family-owned independent pet supplies superstore, has gone into administration.

Mark Upton, from Ensors chartered accountants in Cambridge, was appointed administrator of the company on November 1.

The store in in South Hill Road, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich, continues to trade as normal while a buyer is sought for the business. Four full-time and two part-time staff have been kept on until a final decision on the future of the company is taken.

According to a statement on The Giant Pet Store's website www.petshopping.co.uk, the affairs, business and property of the company are being managed by Mark Upton (administrator), who acts as agent of the company and without personal liability.

Mark told Pet Trade Xtra yesterday: "We are actively seeking a buyer for The Giant Pet Store. We have targeted a number of parties who we felt might be interested but as yet there has been no conclusion to our discussions.

"We are hopeful a buyer will be found and the store continues to be open during normal hours. We are montioring trading on a regular basis."

The Giant Pet Store, which operates in 12,000 sq feet premises, has been in existence for over 20 years, and has recently been under the ownership of Rodney Tuck. 

Anyone interested in buying The Giant Pet Store should contact Mark Upton on 01473 220022 or by email at mark.upton@ensors.co.uk