Jollyes has confirmed that it is to open a new store in Poole – its first in Dorset – right opposite one of its much bigger rivals, Pets at Home.

The new Poole store, at Unit 1C, Wessex Gate East Retail Park, will open at 10am on Saturday, August 20.

Jollyes in Poole will employ 10 staff, including newly appointed store manager Andy Matthews, whose career includes spells at the Co-op, Marks & Spencer and Tesco.

The 5,000 square feet store will sell a wide range of pet food and accessories for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, fish and reptiles. 

In the weeks immediately after opening, the store will also host a Community Pet Clinic, offering regular health checks, vaccinations, flea and worming and microchipping.

Matt Godwin, a regional manager at Jollyes, said: “For those people in and around Poole, who don’t yet know Jollyes, we can’t wait to open our doors and give them a warm welcome. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is really looking forward to giving people in and around Poole, more choice than they’ve ever had for their pets. 

“The new store is in a great location, and we’re designing it to be easy as possible for pet lovers to find what they are looking for. It’s a very popular retail park and we’re as excited as a new puppy to open later this month.”

Jollyes said its first store in Dorset will complement Jollyes outlets in neighbouring counties of Hampshire, Somerset, Devon and Wiltshire, including Bridgwater, Chippenham, Congresbury, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Waterlooville.