An independent family-run pet store, which opened during the pandemic lockdown, proved to be such a success that the owners have now opened a second shop.

Swansea-based Dewkes Pet Store unveiled its second store just over a year after launching its first retail outlet.

Director James Bygate said: “We were overwhelmed by the positive reaction from our customers at the Mumbles store and were thrilled to open our second shop in such a short space of time.”

James spoke to Pet Trade Xtra about how plans for the second shop in Sketty came to life.

Who owns the family business?

The family business is owned by myself and my wife Jane.

When did you open the shop in Mumbles?

It was very much a lockdown project. We opened the business in January of 2021 right in the middle of the Christmas lockdown. Luckily, being essential-retail, we were able to press on.

Did you work in the pet industry before opening the store? 

I’m an accountant by ‘trade’, however I have had clients in the pet space and always had a keen interest in animals. It seemed like the best move.

Was it the success of the Mumbles store that made you open a second shop?

Absolutely. There were so many more dogs that entered the market in lockdown and we love running the pet shop.  We saw an opportunity for a second and went for it.

How far apart are the stores?

The stores are around a 15 minute-drive time from each other – about five miles.

When did the new store open?

We opened on March 19.

How many staff do you employ?

Currently we are a team of six.

What sets you apart from your opposition?

As a team we have a wide range of expertise across a number of disciplines.  For example, I have extensive background in business as a chartered accountant and specifically in the pet sector. Our retail manager Sally has managed boarding kennels and worked as part of a team in a veterinary practice.

Our grooming studio also adds another dimension to the store and provides dog owners with a one-stop shop approach to all their pets’ needs.

We are entirely animal focussed and ensure that health and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We focus on customer experience for both the pet and their owners.

Our policy is: if you don’t see it on our shelf “Just Ask”.

What has the reaction been like to your approach to pet retail, particularly from customers? Entirely positive. A lot of the customers coming into the store already have an awareness of our brand and this store is more conveniently located to their homes. There have also been a huge number of new faces too.

We offer dog grooming in our original store and the request to open a second has been overwhelming…so watch this space!

People love our independent business and its community focus.

Do you hope to keep expanding the business?  

Absolutely!