Jollyes is putting the finishing touches to its new store in Poole, Dorset, ready for opening on Saturday (August 20).
The Rev Bryony Morrison, of St James’ Church, close to the Poole store, will administer a blessing to pets and their owners before the official opening at around 9.50am, with a full pet blessing service to follow at St James’ on Sunday August 28.
The retailer has already begun a search for ‘Poole’s Best Pets’ in partnership with community radio station Hot Radio, with winners each receiving a £35 Jollyes voucher and an invite to the opening event, while the first 100 customers will receive a goody bag.
Also scheduled to appear at the opening is local celebrity resident Barney the dog, along with owners Harry and Sandra Redknapp, who will officiate at the store opening along with area (BCP) council chair Nigel Hedges and Hot Radio’s Karl Davies.
Jollyes’ regional manager Matt Godwin said: “What better way to get the new store started than with a blessing? It’s going to be a very exciting day, with a great line-up of events and some well-known faces.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming owners and their pets from Poole and the surrounding area into our new store and to playing our part in the local community.”
The 5,000 sq ft store, Jollyes’ first branch in Dorset, is located at Unit 1C, Wessex Gate East Retail Park and will employ 10 colleagues led by acting store manager Tom Amos.
Backed by Kester Capital, Jollyes now has more than 80 stores across the UK.
