Supermarket chain Asda has announced a big change for one of its Nottingham stores. Asda in West Bridgford will be launching a 'pet zone' to help pet parents pick up everything they need from insurance to accessories alongside their regular shop.
The inspiration for the pet zone comes after pet ownership in the UK has surged following the lockdown where people adopted lots of cats and dogs. The retailer is partnering with six major pet brands which will be stocked in the stores that have been selected for a 'pet zone'.
Customers will have more choice and better access to refrigerated fresh pet food, premium treats, accessories, toys, leads, collars and grooming products. The dedicated zone will cater for both dogs and cats at all stages of their lives including popular pet ranges such as Lily's Kitchen, Freshpet and Denzel's.
Read more: Nottinghamshire Pub of the Year: 'Stunning' place to eat and drink wins title
There will also be an extensive range of accessories and toys from Petface which will include eco-friendly toys from Petface Planet, UK-produced dog fragrances and grooming products from Bugalugs.
Asda has sourced a selection of brands to suit every budget including 'specialist' harder-to-find products such as Denzel's Brunch Bites and Bugalug's 'One in a Million' dog cologne. Pet brand Bugalugs offer a range of different shampoos, conditioners and deodorants.
The vegan cologne which is priced at £5.99 is one of the more unusual items for sale but it offers our four-legged friends the chance to 'always feel and smell their best'. Insurance will also be on offer for customers hoping to ensure their pet is looked after. This will be available in-store through Asda Money. Once a pet owner takes out insurance through Asda, they may choose to add Joli, which is an extra benefit for policyholders. Pet parents will be reassured by the option to access a 24-hour-online-vet for any emergencies through Joli's dedicated app.
Matt Harrison, Senior Director of Partnerships and Business Development at Asda, said: “We’re partnering with some brilliant brands to bring a wide range of pet products to these stores – including items that would usually only be found in specialist retailers."
“A rise in the number of pandemic pets has led to demand from customers for greater choice in this particular category. We’re pleased that through partnerships with innovative brands we’re able to offer products for pets of all ages and satisfy the needs of our customers in these five stores," he added.
While West Bridgford will be one of the first in Nottingham, there are other stores across the UK that will welcome pet zones. These cities include: Gateshead, Eastlands, Minworth, West Bridgford and Caerphilly.
