Dorset Dogs competition winners, Bentley and Dixie, bit through a string of sausages to open the new store for pet retailer Jollyes at the new Christchurch Trade Park on Saturday.

The new Jollyes pet store in Christchurch.
Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages

Sam Wells regional manager said: “We had a fabulous day – especially for the team in our new Christchurch and the pets and parents who came along.

“We are delighted to support local charity Dorset Dogs who are doing fantastic work here in Dorset supporting the community.

“And of course, we loved having Bentley and Dixie officially open the store biting through our iconic string of sausages.”

The event saw the inaugural flight of the Jollyes Jumbo Pet, a giant airship featuring a dog and cat reaching 130ft in the air.

Teaming up with Dorset Dogs, the animal behavourists ran a Dog Kissing Booth and ‘sniff and search’ zone at the store on launch day with founder Nicky Crowe on hand to showcase the benefits of scent work, first aid and training to help dogs and humans.

Staff celebrate the opening of the new Jollyes pet store in Christchurch.
Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages

Nicky added: “Dorset Dogs were so happy to support the opening of Jollyes in Christchurch. The friendliest pet store, where the staff are as dog mad as we are!

“Jollyes have match-funded what we raised on the day for our Pet Food Banks appeal and we are just so grateful. This will help us open a much needed new food bank in the area. ”

The opening of the new Christchurch store is part of Jollyes’ ambitious expansion plans which will see it hit £100 million turnover in FY2023, and have 100 stores within 18 months, with new store manager Louise Borg being Jollyes’ 1000th UK colleague.

29/4/23 – Christchurch, UK.
The new Jollyes pet store in Christchurch.
Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages

The new Jollyes pet store in Christchurch.
Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages

Stilt walkers entertaining the customer at the celebration of the new Jollyes pet store in Christchurch.
Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages

Stilt walkers entertaining the customer at the celebration of the new Jollyes pet store in Christchurch.
Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages

Roxi the Border Collie and owner Jade Hall in the new Jollyes pet store in Christchurch.
Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages

Bentley the Basset Hound gets tucked into a string of sausages in the new Jollyes pet store in Christchurch.
Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages

Arti the Rottweiller in the kissing booth in the new Jollyes pet store in Christchurch.
Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages

Roxi the Border Collie on the kissing booth at the new Jollyes pet store in Christchurch.
Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages

Cllr Nigel Hedges opens the new Jollyes pet store in Christchurch.
Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages