Retailers react strongly to Waitrose move
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The move by Waitrose into the pet sector has brought a strong response from independent pet retailers who fear their revenues could be hit hard. One pet shop owner remarked: "Another one putting the boot into the pet industry."
Last week Pet Trade Xtra reported that Waitrose had launched waitrosepet.com - an online offering of pet products which it had created in partnership with Monster Pet Supplies. Some 9,000 products are being offered, including 60 Waitrose own-brand lines, spanning foods and accessories for cats, dogs, birds and fish.
The site also offers access to a telephone advice line and is offering free delivery on all orders over £30 and a repeat ordering service. The range will be extended to include specialist equine and reptile products in 2015.
One pet retailer told Pet Trade Xtra that the Waitrose website could spell the start of the end for many independent pet shops.
Another said manufacturers should do more to protect the independent pet trade."They are ultimately responsible for their brands and being unaware is not an excuse."
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