Andy Matthews, Store Manager at Jollyes in Poole, with his German shepherd, Angel.
Published: August 3, 2022 | Updated: 3rd August 2022
Fast-growing pet store group Jollyes is to open its first outlet in Dorset creating ten new jobs.
The new Poole store, at Unit 1C, Wessex Gate East Retail Park, will open at 10am on Saturday August 20.
It will immediately go head-to-head with a well-known pet store chain sited close by.
Jollyes’ ten-strong team includes Andy Matthews, newly appointed Store Manager, whose career includes spells at the Co-op, Marks & Spencer and Tesco.
With three children in his family, he has hands-on experience with pets including Angel, a German shepherd, and Tom, a ten-year-old cat.
The 5,000 sq ft store will sell a wide range of pet food and accessories for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, fish and reptiles.
In the weeks immediately after opening, the store will also host a Community Pet Clinic, offering regular health checks, vaccinations, flea and worming and microchipping.
As with all Jollyes outlets, owners are welcome to bring their pets into the store.
Matt Godwin, Jollyes Regional Manager, said: “For those who don’t yet know Jollyes, we can’t wait to open our doors and give them a warm welcome.
“Our friendly and knowledgeable team is really looking forward to giving people in and around Poole, more choice than they’ve ever had for their pets.
“The new store is in a great location, and we’re designing it to be easy as possible for pet lovers to find what they are looking for.
“It’s a very popular retail park and we’re as excited as a new puppy to open later this month.”
As the first store in Dorset, the Poole store will complement Jollyes’ outlets in neighbouring counties of Hampshire, Somerset, Devon and Wiltshire.
Jollyes began life in Enfield as a single store in 1971.
Backed by Kester Capital, the company now has more than 80 stores across the UK.
In addition to recent openings in Stockton-on-Tees, Southport, Stirling, Wrexham and Cookstown, Jollyes this year acquired Penparc Pet Centres with five stores in the Midlands.
New stores are due to open this autumn at Glenrothes, Edinburgh and Robroyston as Jollyes continues to search for new locations across the UK.
