UK Pet Retailer of the Year, Just for Pets, is looking for more sites following its most recent store openings at Ventura Retail Centre, Tamworth, Staffordshire and Leamington Shopping Park, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick, and an acquisition in Witney, which is currently being fitted.

Since Christmas 2020, the Nottinghamshire-based retailer has committed to more than 39,000 sq ft of space, securing six stores and opening in several new locations, including East Bridgford, Stafford and Evesham. 
 
Its new Tamworth store comprises 7,300 sq ft of space on a purpose-built retail park anchored by leading occupiers, Marks and Spencer, Next and H&M. The store is just a short distance from Tamworth’s historic town centre. On launch, it achieved the best opening week ever for the award-winning pet retailer, showcasing a range of quality, premium brands, including smaller British suppliers not readily available on the high street or in supermarkets. It also features a treat station for product sampling, pet fashion, dog nutrition and many more attractions, with the specially trained store team on hand offering the very best and most up to date advice.
 
The retailer’s Leamington store, next to Marks and Spencer’s food hall, successfully launched on Saturday 19 February and comprises nearly 4,000 sq ft of space. Other retailers at the Leamington Shopping Park include Boots, Next and TK Maxx.
 
The latest acquisition at The Woolgate Shopping Centre, Witney, completed in February. Just for Pets has secured the former H&M store by the free shoppers' car park. Comprising over 7,600 sq ft over three floors, the premises immediately adjoins Next and is close to Waitrose, Superdrug and WH Smith. 
 
Just for Pets was acquired in October 2017 by Pedigree Wholesale Ltd, a family-owned established distributor of nearly 50 years in the Pet industry. As part of its carefully planned, ambitious expansion drive, Just for Pets enlisted national property consultancy, Carter Jonas, to hunt for more stores. The chain now has 21 branches trading /secured and aims to open an additional four sites by the end of 2022. 
 
Carter Jonas' Bristol-based Commercial property team is leading the search for suitable retail units of 2,500- 6,500 sq ft – although larger units will be considered. Target locations include Bath, Bristol, Bromsgrove, Cheltenham, Cirencester, Oxford, Stroud and Redditch, amongst others. On-site car parking is essential to the Just for Pets business model, and the focus is directed to roadside, the edge of town and retail park locations.
 
Stuart Williams, Partner, Commercial, Carter Jonas said: “It is a testament to the hard work of the Just for Pets team and the quality of services and products offered that we have started 2022 so positively, forging ahead with their expansion strategy. The team is passionate about pets and providing households with a great user experience. Because of this, store locations, and their look and feel are as vital as what's being offered inside.  
 
“The Just for Pets targeted growth strategy is focused on building strong relationships with customers. At a time of so much upheaval on the high streets, this approach is particularly appealing to landlords. It is fantastic to be working with a business that is seeing the benefits of investing in having a physical presence in the community.”