Nationwide pet retailer Jollyes opened its second Dorset store in Christchurch on Saturday (29 April) at the new Christchurch Trade Park.

The store saw the inaugural flight of Jollyes’ “Jumbo Pet” – a giant airship featuring a dog and cat raised to 150ft to tell Christchurch that the store had opened.

For its launch, Jollyes also teamed up with Dorset Dogs to help raise funds for the social enterprise’s vital work in the region.

Dorset Dogs had a Kissing Booth (for pets only!) at the store’s opening. This ‘sniff and search’ zone saw animal behaviourist Nicky Crowe showcase the benefits of scent work, first aid and training to help dogs and humans.

Jollyes will match-fund money raised by Dorset Dogs over the opening weekend and also help support Dorset Dogs’ pet food banks across the county.

The opening of the new Christchurch store is part of Jollyes’ ambitious expansion plans which will see it hit £100 million turnover in FY2023 and have 100 stores within 18 months.