A popular online retailer selling luxury pet supplies drew fans from across the North to the opening of its first in-person store.

Pet Hamper, based in Preston and launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, sells high-end goodies for cats and dogs.

Initially an online-only retailer, the company is building on its early success by opening its first physical store.

Following months of research, design and DIY, the new home of Pet Hamper offers a luxury experience that is unlike any traditional pet shop.

The warm, welcoming and contemporary space features a chill-out area, arcade games and treats for pets.

The pet products which feature in the company’s bespoke hampers have been hand-selected from suppliers around the world, and can be found on well-lit, recessed shelving.

The grand opening was so highly anticipated by the brand’s fans that customers travelled from across Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cumbria and Greater Manchester to be among the first to visit.

Emily Benson, who took the lead on researching, designing and installing the stores decor alongside company co-founder Mark Jackson, said: “We didn’t want to go down the traditional route of stacked shelves, bright lights and funky smells. We wanted to create somewhere welcoming that people would look forward to visiting.

“Instead we took our style cues from home interior design experts. We’ve created somewhere that’s inviting and fun. There’s no reason to rush - customers are invited to take their time, chat with us about recommendations for pet gifts or about pet ownership in general, have a drink, have their photo taken - it’s a full experience.”

And the new venture has proven to be a big hit among customers so far. Many of the customers who have already visited have left glowing reviews of the new store.

Pet Hamper is run by Emily Benson and Mark Jackson, who first launched the business during the pandemic as he was shopping for a gift for a friend’s pet and wasn’t able to find an appropriate present.

This sparked the idea of creating hampers which could be gifted to pets and their owners. An online store followed and the pair have now expanded with the first physical store.

Pet Hamper has also secured a number of corporate customers. The company’s products are available to guests staying at the luxurious Prince Akatoki Hotel in London, as incentives offered by insurance companies such as Animal Friends and Many Pets, and as rewards to customers of British Gas and Vodafone.

What is now the Pet Hamper store began as an office and storage space for the company, which was later converted by Mark and Emily over several months.

The store sits within a small but thriving business community between Preston and Lytham which also features a dog-friendly café, an independent brewer, a hairdresser and a gym. Located on a converted farm, the buildings feature eco-friendly aspects such as biomass heating and solar panels.

Mark said: “Our business has grown from strength to strength since we launched. Opening a physical store, where we could meet and chat with our customers seemed like the next logical step and within our first few weeks we have received so much positive feedback.

“We’re delighted that we have been able to connect with so many animal lovers and that they appreciate what we have to offer.”

Next up for Pet Hamper, Mark and Emily hope to spread their store’s physical presence further afield, initially beginning with pop-up shops in other areas of the UK, timed to coincide with busy sales periods, such as in the lead up to Christmas.