SHOPPERS have been left divided after The Range and Wilko announced a major change to store rules.
The two retailers, which operate under the CDS Superstores brand, said pet owners can now bring their dogs into its stores across the UK.
The Range said owners can now b ring dogs into its store[/caption]
Under the new rules furry companions must be kept on a lead when they are being brought into stores.
The move has been introduced to create to a more inclusive and enjoyable shopping experience for all customers.
But the decision has upset some shoppers, with many taking to social media to express their concern.
In a social media post one Range shopper said: “Just what you want when you’re shopping a load of dogs barking at each other .. it’s bad enough having to deal with humans.”
Meanwhile, a mother said they were worried about how the move would impact their child with additional needs.
She wrote: “As a mum to a child with autism who is absolutely petrified of animals it is getting harder for us to go anywhere. Consideration is needed for all sector.”
However, some pet owners have welcomed the news, describing it as simply “brilliant.”
While another said the could not wait to take their pooch named on Nala on a “shopping spree.”
Dogs are allowed in some shops, but it depends on the retailers policy.
If you are keen to bring your pooch on your next shopping trip it always worth ringing ahead to make sure you are allowed.
The Range has laid down some ground rules for owners who intend to bring their dog into the stores.
For example, dogs must be on a lead at all times while inside a store, and owners must ensure the dogs are well-behaved, and do not disturb other customers.
Owners also must clean up after their dog if necessary, and be mindful of their surroundings.
In a statement The Range said: “The Range and Wilko each understand the importance of pets in the lives of customers and their families.
“By allowing dogs instore at 200+ stores nationwide for The Range, and six and counting stores for wilko, both retailers aim to make shopping more convenient and enjoyable for pet owners, who can now bring their furry companions along while browsing an extensive selection of items.”
Both stores sell a range of pet care items across a combined estate 216 stores in the UK .
In celebration of the news, the stores are running special pet-focused deals, including over 40% off selected food items and discounted treats on toys, essentials and even a pet pushchair.
Before it collapsed into administration Wilko allowed pet owners to bring their dogs into its 248 stores.
The Range bought the Wilko brand and intellectual property rights for £5million as part of a deal to save the brand from collapse.
There are currently six Wilko stores across the country, all of which are owned by The Range.
Pepco also bought a handful of stores which were converted into Poundland sites.
Why are retailers closing stores?
RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
The high street has seen a whole raft of closures over the past year, and more are coming.
The number of jobs lost in British retail dropped last year, but 120,000 people still lost their employment, figures have suggested.
Figures from the Centre for Retail Research revealed that 10,494 shops closed for the last time during 2023, and 119,405 jobs were lost in the sector.
It was fewer shops than had been lost for several years, and a reduction from 151,641 jobs lost in 2022.
The centre’s director, Professor Joshua Bamfield, said the improvement is “less bad” than good.
Although there were some big-name losses from the high street, including Wilko, many large companies had already gone bust before 2022, the centre said, such as Topshop owner Arcadia, Jessops and Debenhams.
“The cost-of-living crisis, inflation and increases in interest rates have led many consumers to tighten their belts, reducing retail spend,” Prof Bamfield said.
“Retailers themselves have suffered increasing energy and occupancy costs, staff shortages and falling demand that have made rebuilding profits after extensive store closures during the pandemic exceptionally difficult.”
Alongside Wilko, which employed around 12,000 people when it collapsed, 2023’s biggest failures included Paperchase, Cath Kidston, Planet Organic and Tile Giant.
The Centre for Retail Research said most stores were closed because companies were trying to reorganise and cut costs rather than the business failing.
However, experts have warned there will likely be more failures this year as consumers keep their belts tight and borrowing costs soar for businesses.
The Body Shop and Ted Baker are the biggest names to have already collapsed into administration this year.
