Largest pet retailer in Ulster sees NI sales surge by a fifth in lockdown

Its 12 stores in Northern Ireland, like the other 55 Jollyes stores in the rest of the UK, have remained open for business as an essential retailer during the pandemic.

Over that period sales in Northern Ireland have risen by over 20%, the strongest growth in any of the retailer’s divisions, highlighting just how much pet owners in NI have come to rely on their local Jollyes store in lockdown. The good news for Ulster pet owners is that the vast majority of supplies are now getting through normally after early problems after the new Northern Ireland Protocol came into force at the turn of the year.

In early January, Jollyes like many other businesses faced delays moving goods to Northern Ireland because of new certification requirements but after significant behind-the-scenes work, its stores across Northern Ireland are now fully stocked and it is business-as-usual.

“We appreciate the pragmatic approach taken by the NI Assembly in helping us ensure trade flows are as smooth as possible as we all get used to new processes,” said Jollyes commercial director Chris Burns who comes from Omagh.

“Pets are part of the family and caring for an animal brings enormous enjoyment and contributes to well-being. That’s never been truer than over the past year.”

Jollyes is proud of its Northern Ireland heritage and the passion and expertise of its 120 colleagues across the country. Its top performing Jollyes stores are Derry/Londonderry, Ballymena and Bangor and all its 12 NI stores have active social media pages to bring their expertise and passion for pets to local people.

What’s more all Jollyes live animals in Northern Ireland, from birds to bunnies, are bred locally and never have to travel more than an hour to a Jollyes store. It also stocks a wide range of local NI brands including Feedwell, Pedro, Clinivet, Engage, Brandy and Dr James.

Significant precautions have been put in place at all Jollyes stores including social distancing rules, asking customers to wear masks, and offering hand sanitiser on arrival and exit.

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