Two independent pet stores in East Anglia have been put up for sale as the current owners look to retire.
Buyers are being sought for Fido’s Pet Bazaar in Norwich and Jany Pets in Great Yarmouth.
Alan Raven has run Fido’s with his wife Linda for the past 43 years but at the age of 73 he feels the time is right to hand over the business to someone younger.
It’s a similar story for Janette Fitzgerald, who has owned and run Jany Pets for 42 years with help from sister Ann Sherwood.
Fido’s has been in its current premises in Dixons Shopping Centre, Reepham Road, Norwich, for more than 20 years, and Alan says the business is profitable. He is trying to sell the shop privately, and is only asking for the cost of the fittings and fixtures installed in the last two years, plus stock at value.
“When we reached the official retirement age, we were still having fun running the shop, so we just kept going. Then the internet started taking the trade away, and the requirements of the new Animal Welfare Act became too onerous to comply with. That was when it stopped being fun.
“We hope that a new owner will retain the three ladies we employ. They have been loyal employees who have worked for us for many years, and we are very grateful to them.
We will miss working with them, and we will miss the banter with the customers, many of which were babes in arms when we started and are parents themselves now.”
Janette Fitzgerald will also miss her loyal customers at Jany Pets in Dene Side, Great Yarmouth.
“My best memories over the years are the Christmas times, having all the stock and a lovely window display,” she said.
According to Janette, employing traditional retailing values such as courtesy, helpfulness and approachability has been the secret to her success, but she also feels that internet shopping has made things harder for local businesses like hers.
Janette has already received several enquires for her business from interested parties following an article in her local newspaper.
“The day I hand the keys over will be very emotional and I will miss it very much but it is time for a new generation to take over,” she added.
