The news that Wilko will allow dogs into some stores has prompted a mixed reaction on the streets of Nottingham, with some people worried the animals will scare shoppers.
The rollout is being made to over two-thirds of Wilko’s home and garden stores meaning that pets are now allowed to browse with owners around all areas of participating stores, except food aisles.
Nottingham city store is one of the outlets to welcome canines inside.
After controversy broke out about Wilko’s new policy, Nottinghamshire Live headed into the city centre to find out what the people of Nottingham thought.
Bryan Foltt, 78, from Hucknall was one of a few who did not agree with the new policy and said animals should only be allowed inside if they are guide dogs.
“You let one dog in and another, it could lead to what dogs do and cause absolute chaos,” he said.
Nottingham students Flynn Ryan, 20, and Danaik Koro, 19, took the approach that it is fine as long as the dogs are on leads but added that many people may not feel as comfortable as them for their own personal reasons. They also think the shopping experience could be quite overwhelming for dogs.
Ms Ryan said: “I am fine with it personally but I can see why if you was scared of dogs, it may be quite annoying.”
Ms Koro added: “I think there could be quite a lot of triggers for dogs in the shop, for example lots of people.”
Similarly, Tracey Wright, 59, from Hucknall also expressed concerns of customers not liking dogs, which could lead to them not doing their shopping in their local Wilko store.
She said: “Some people just simply don’t like dogs.”
Although, many have warmed to Wilko’s new policy and felt it was acceptable if pets are under control.
Jane North, 51, from Edwalton said: “I think it is fine for pets to go into Wilko, as long as they are a well behaved.”
Billy Davis, 20, from Nottingham added: “As long as they are on a lead and well trained and don’t need to constantly be controlled, then they should be allowed into stores.”
The company in a statement about the new policy said: “We know that while not everyone is an animal lover, for many of our customers, pets are seen as fully fledged members of their family, which is why we want to safely welcome them instore”.
“We believe putting the onus of responsible pet ownership on customers and we’re also asking that customers keep their pets on the lead while instore, make sure they are well behaved, avoid bringing them in if they have muddy paws, and that they clean up after their pet.”
“Customers are also asked that pets with exception of service dogs are kept away from food aisles. If a pet shows signs of aggression in store, the customer who owns the dog will politely be asked to leave.”
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