An independent pet shop based in Olney has won the highly coveted Pet Industry Federation award for New Business of the Year, beating out competition from multi-million-pound companies.
'Pickles Pet Pantry' was also nominated for Independent Retailer of the Year, while co-owner Katie Parker was nominated for Pet Store Manager of the Year.
It was an especially eventful night for Katie and her partner, co-owner Jack Avery, who rushed to the awards a day after welcoming their first baby together.
With the store only having opened in November 2022, and turning a profit after just six months, the win caps off a truly incredible year for 'Pickles Pet Pantry'.
Reflecting on the awards Katie said; "When it was announced everyone in the room was shocked because we were up against multi-million pound companies. For us to come away with New Business of the Year I think everyone was pleasantly surprised that a small high street store had not only won it but had also been independently judged by a full panel. I only wish there'd been a fly on the wall to take a photo or video of our faces because we were all astonished!"
The award marks further recognition for 'Pickles Pet Pantry' as earlier this year Katie was Milton Keynes North MP Ben Everitt's choice for an 'MP HERoes women in business award'.
On being named an 'MP HERoe' Katie said; “Over the next year, we'll be working with the HERoes programme to go and help other women in business. It's not just that you win the award and it ticks a box! My job through winning the award is to speak to other people and hopefully inspire them to say 'I can do that'. I left a position before we opened and totally started again with Pickles Pet Pantry... sometimes all people need to hear is 'take the plunge' because the timing is never right.”
Despite awards success, Katie says the most important part of 'Pickles Pet Pantry' is still providing customers with naturally sourced products for their pets as well as expert advice.
On having been a part of Olney High Street for just over a year, Katie said: "Post-Covid I think people like to come somewhere and interact. So many people have described the shop as 'refreshing' because we want to talk to them. We care about our customers, they're a part of the Pickles Pet Pantry family. Ask us any question, even if it feels like a stupid question, it's not, and we can answer it for you!"
'Pickles Pet Pantry' can be found at the rear of 24 High Street South, Olney, MK46 4AA.
Opening times;
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday: 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 09:00 - 16:30
Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 15:30
