When Newport Pagnell pet store All-Dis Pet Malarkey shut up shop after six years of trading this summer, shoppers could find some comfort that the family-run business still had a store in Wolverton. But now they've issued a devastating update.
Last week they announced that their Church Street shop, Prime Pets Supplies, is also preparing to permanently close its doors - after 35 years of catering for the town’s animal loving fraternity.
Taking to Facebook to share the sad news, owner Sharon Aldis said: "Our little pet shop is no longer a viable business! Over the last 18 months - 2 years we have seen a steady drop in footfall, to the point that in some recent months our takings have almost halved.
"'I knew I would never get rich running a pet shop, but I loved doing it and I loved helping and reassuring my customers. It doesn't matter what we have, or what we do, trade has been terribly quiet and if customers just don't walk through the door what options do we have? So, we've sadly decided to call it a day.
"Unfortunately, I think it is going to get a whole lot worse for small businesses moving forward."
Sharon runs the business with her husband, Graham. They will cease trading at the end of January, but until then it is business as usual as they try to clear their stock - some with brilliant reductions.
"Our regular customers have been supporting us massively, and we know they don't need to come. We want to say a big thank you to everybody who has been there for us over the years.
