An independent pet shop in the Eden Valley has a new owner and is getting a new look and name.
Suzanne Jones, from Keswick, has taken over Pets Pantry — in Market Arcade, at the entrance to Appleby Public Hall — from former owner Wendy Capstick.
A qualified pet groomer, Suzanne had seen the shop when visiting a friend she met on a dog grooming course at Newton Rigg.
Suzanne explained: “I knew of Pets Pantry from visiting Vicky, who owns Happy Paws Grooming by Victoria which is next door in the Market Arcade.
“I had planned to open a grooming parlour in Keswick. However, when that didn’t work out and I heard the Appleby pet shop was on the market I decided this was the ideal opportunity for me.
“I have always had an interest in and loved animals — which is why I did my grooming course. I have my animal general health and wellbeing as well as first aid certificates which I think are useful training for me as a pet shop owner.
“I’m also a dog owner myself. I have a British bulldog cross Victorian bulldog called Betsy. She’s 10 years old and I haven’t brought her into the pet shop yet — though I am sure she will be like a kid in a sweet shop!
“I love Appleby. It is a real working market town, with a lovely vibe about it. Everyone has made me so welcome since I took over the shop. It is the ideal place to have a business.”
Former owner of Pet’s Pantry Wendy Capstick said: “I am delighted Suzanne has taken over the business and is keeping the pet shop open for visitors and pet owners in Appleby, as well as for those who love to feed our red squirrels and wild birds.
“I’d like to thank all my customers from over the past 10 years for their great support and hope they will continue to shop local for their pet’s needs with Suzanne.”
The new ownership heralds the start of a new era as Suzanne is renaming the shop Appleby Pet Shop, and is in the process of developing a Facebook page.
Suzanne has plans to redesign the interior of the shop, with an area for fitting and measuring harnesses, providing new ranges of pet food, raised pet and bird feeders. Suzanne is also working with the local red squirrel ranger to offer appropriate nuts and raise funds for the protection of the rare mammals which live in the woodland around Appleby.
Suzanne said: “I am aiming to cater for everyone’s budget, providing good quality, value for money in all our ranges.
“I have so many people coming into the shop for wild bird food as well as squirrel nuts — so it’s not just pet owners who I am catering for. I also want to support fellow local businesses and I’m stocking locally made products in the shop as well. I am also looking at ways to reduce plastic packaging and extend the natural ranges in the shop. To help me grow the business I am very keen for customers to give their feedback.
“By listening to my customers and sourcing new products and gradually redesigning the shop and displays, Appleby Pet Shop will develop and continue to provide a local service for pet owners and wildlife lovers alike.”
Since taking over the shop Suzanne has extended its opening hours to Monday-Thursday 10am to 4pm and Friday and Saturdays 9-30am to 4-30pm.
