One of the UK’s leading independent retailers has urged pet shops to make their premises spotlessly clean in a bid to win back customers from the big retail chains.

Piers Smart, of Scampers in Cambridgeshire, says that being clean, tidy and organized are the basics of retailing and that all independent pet retailers should make them a priority, no matter how big or small their businesses.

“A new mother wouldn’t buy baby food if the tin had dust on the lid. And it’s the same with owners of pets, who regard their animals as being important members of their family,” said Piers.

“So it’s important to ensure that your premises and stock are spotless. That first impression makes all the difference to customers.”

If his staff find they have a spare moment in between dealing with customers, they are encouraged to carry out cleaning duties.

“We vacuum clean the premises everyday, sometimes twice a day,” added Piers. “In fact we get through at least two vacuum cleaners every year.

“Cleanliness and tidiness are so important in business – in fact they are part of our marketing strategy. Everyone knows these are challenging times for small businesses so you have to do everything you can to make your shop stand out from the rest.

“We treat our shop like our home and that is reflected in our approach to keeping floors, shelves, surfaces and stock clean. We are very passionate about our business and proud of everything we do.

“We replace staff uniforms every year. We have hand sprays behind the tills because hygiene is crucial.

“They say a business can be judged by the cleanliness of its toilets. I can tell you that ours are spotless. In fact, go and check for yourself.” True to Piers’ word they were immaculate.”

Piers also advocates rotation of stock and this results in shelves and products being cleaned and dusted regularly. When shelves are restocked, new products go at the back with older items being brought to the front. 

For more information about Scampers visit www.scampers.co.uk