Pet owners looking to spoil their animals this Christmas will soon have more shopping options, as a leading pet retailer prepares to open new stores in a major boost for the UK high street.
Fast-growing pet retailer Jollyes has announced plans to open six new superstores in the run-up to Christmas, after striking a deal to move into five former Poundland sites across the UK. The openings will take place over a six-week period starting November, 15, with the first new store opening in Swansea, followed by Southend on November 22. Four more branches will follow before the end of the year: Thurrock (November 28), Colne (November 29), Carlisle (December 6) and Burnley (December 13) as the company rapidly converts the former Poundland units into new Jollyes superstores.
The retailer has also confirmed plans to open another location in Blackpool in early 2026, continuing its national expansion drive. The latest wave of openings comes shortly after Jollyes unveiled a new branch in Chesterfield on October 18.
Jollyes has pledged to offer guaranteed interviews to former Poundland employees at the affected sites, helping to safeguard local jobs.
The company is also partnering with several organisations to widen access to employment opportunities, including Rest Less, which supports over 50s into work, the Fair Chance Business Alliance helping those with criminal records find jobs, and the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring interviews for veterans applying for roles.
Jollyes chief operating officer and CEO designate Adam Dury said: “We’re excited to have the opportunity to bring our combination of low prices and pet expertise to so many new places before the end of the year.
“For too long pet parents across the UK have had little choice – high prices at a specialist or the limited range of a general retailer.
“The secret to our rapid growth is the serious commitment to value in a store where customers can get all they need to care for their family pet alongside advice from our knowledgeable and highly trained colleagues in store.”
Over the last three years, Jollyes has nearly doubled its number of stores, now operating more than 100 branches nationwide. The retailer’s main national distribution centre is located in Middlewich, Cheshire, with another key warehouse site in Wigan.
