Derby-based independent pet superstore, Trusty Pet Supplies, has been named as Natures Menu ‘Retailer of the Month’.

During the covid-19 pandemic, Trusty Pet Supplies retained its well-earned customer base through its loyalty card schemes and ensuring the warehouse store was open as much as possible. 

With the floorspace being so huge, Trusty Pet Supplies could implement strict safe-shopping distancing guidelines without hindering footfall numbers, meaning that keen shoppers of Derbyshire and beyond could still get their pet essentials, and gain expertise from the knowledgeable staff.

The pet supplies business has been trading since 1999, with its first store opening Mickleover in 2006. From the outset, the store proved to be extremely popular, with a great location and friendly staff – many pet owners flocked from the local area to shop with owner Hannah Edmondson and her family team.

In 2017, Trusty Pets launched its online shop, which went from strength to strength, gaining traction with a fantastic trajectory, which was then accelerated further by the pandemic. 

Currently, Trusty Pets operates out of three large warehouses, with one warehouse being converted in 2021 into Trusty Superstore, a huge 7,500 square foot of floorspace, creating the biggest raw food shop in the Midlands, with over 35 freezers in total.

Hannah said: “We are a three-generation family run business, and our customer service is well recognised in our shops and online. We have also been nominated for Pet Retailer of the Year numerous times in the last few years and have also won fantastic awards such as ‘Best Pet Shop in Derbyshire’.

“It is incredibly humbling to now be awarded Retailer of the Month by such a well-renowned company like Natures Menu. We stock their full range in our store and online, and we frequently sell their products in great quantities, so we have built a really great relationship with the trade team. We can’t wait to see what further heights our partnership can bring this year.”

James Langan, managing director of Natures Menu, said: “We are pleased to recognise Trusty Pet Supplies with our Retailer of the Month award. Hannah and the team have taken their business from a small local retailer to a nationwide leader in their 23 years of trading, showing incredible adaptability and perseverance. 

“As one of the biggest retailers flying the flag for raw feeding, our trade team have built a special relationship with Trusty Pet Supplies, and long may that continue as they expand further. We look forward to working with independent retailers throughout 2022 and celebrating their efforts on the journey back to ‘normal’.”