Independent pet retailer faces stiff competition from Supadrug
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Independent retailer Brendan Austin has spoken out over the selling of pet products and food in a Supadrug store next door to his Pets Place shop in Worcester Park Surrey.
Brendan says: "We have become used to our share of the market being eroded by the multiples – they all seem to want a share of it. This week I've noticed that Supadrug are now selling the range of dog shampoos, toys, food and treats, and Frontline. I understand why they would want to sell the latter, being a pharmacist and in direct competition with other high street multiples, but I’m totally at a loss as to why they would want to offer a small range of dog accessories when their tagline is Beauty, Health and Pharmaceuticals.
"We have a Supadrug immediately next to our shop in Worcester Park and there has been a good neighbourly relationship between us for 25 years. And, as someone older and wiser, and indeed perceptive of the retail trade, I understand Supadrug’s rationale in selling Frontline.
"It does grate though when you take the following scenario into consideration. For us to sell Frontline, each candidate has to sit an exam to become a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP). This can take several months of home learning. It covers small animal care, including sheep dipping, anatomy and dietary needs and the administration of Frontline and other specialist drugs. The cost is £265 per candidate. We then have to pay for their annual registration of £22. There is also the top-up-their-knowledge fee of approximately £120 per candidate every two years. We then have the inspection of premises fee of £110 and the annual registration of the premises £70.
"We have to record batch numbers, names and addresses of customers, ask them a host of other questions and justify why customers don’t get the same hassle when buying from Tesco or Sainsbury or even buying online via eBay. Also they fail to understand why, when an SQP is not available, they cannot purchase at all.
"Now I know in south-west London there are not that many sheep, but we have to know about these subjects. So, I wonder why Supadrug's staff were just given a leaflet to read. The VMD states through Harper Adams University (their examination board): 'This qualification is primarily intended for pharmacists involved or wishing to develop an involvement in the animal health industry and in the supply and use of animal medicinal products. Pharmacy technicians or other pharmacy staff may study the taught modules at a lower academic level which would incorporate appropriate SQP qualifications'.
"So who is at fault? Merial (the manufacturer), or the wholesalers for providing the goods, but you need the licence before you can get Frontline; Amtra for not policing the system fairly; or the VMD for issuing licences to all and sundry. Yes I agree, a pharmacist has a good level of education but this does not mean that his or her staff or indeed he or she is qualified to administer to animals.
"I suppose it’s down to market forces and that’s also reflected in the prices that they are selling it for, but that’s a whole different story. We will certainly carefully reconsider whether or not it’s worth the hassle and expense before offering Frontline in the future."
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