Hull pet shop opens grooming parlour at Priority Space retail park

A family business which has seen sales more than double in just over a year is opening a new grooming parlour next door to its pet shop in Monks Way, Hull.

Owners of the Pet Van Store, Paul and Leanne Nightingale have taken on a second unit at the community retail park developed by Priority Space - the ‘LA Dog Spa’ is due to open early December.

Their additional 1,000 sq ft of space will also provide the business with a larger stockroom facility to the rear of the premises, from where they’ll be able to load up vans for deliveries of premium quality pet food and accessories direct to customers’ homes all over the UK.

As dog ownership has rocketed during lockdowns, online customers of the Pet Van Store have increased from 150 to 5,000 in just over a year, with footfall in its new store also up by 50 per cent every month since it opened six months ago.

Paul said: “We’ve built the business both through our website and in-store over the past year and now need more space to meet rising customer demand for our products and services in both directions.

“We’re not just a High Street or online retailer. I’m proud to say we’ve developed a real rapport with both the people who come into the shop and those who contact us online and over the phone. Our aim is to offer the best possible advice on nourishment and care of pets whatever their needs.”

Paul says the hybrid business model of ecommerce and community-facing sales has been core to their success; and their spacious, easy-access Monks Way premises has proved the perfect base to meet both sides of the business.

“Without a doubt the business has thrived on having both an online sales outlet as well as a community-based shop."

The LA Dog Spa, which will be run by Leanne, with colleague Amanda, will offer clipping, stripping, washing and grooming and all other pet care services.

Director of Priority Space Adam Richardson said: “Paul and Leanne have put in such a lot of work to develop their business against the backdrop of the global pandemic and lockdowns, and we are delighted that Monks Way is proving such a great location for them to operate both their online and local community-facing offer.

“At Priority Space, we are committed to developing commercial properties which help local enterprises meet the needs of local communities and contribute to economic growth.”