Published on 11th Dec 2024
We spoke to John from Holme Valley Pet Supplies
Tell us about your store and team?
Holme Valley Pet Supplies is an independent store situated in an old mill complex in the village of Thongsbridge, which is a stone's throw away from the famous "Last of the Summer Wine" town of Holmfirth. We like to think our store reflects the eccentricity of many of the characters and sketches in the BBC series. Customers enjoy the banter and often comment that the place is a madhouse, and that their visit puts a smile on their faces.
Our team of pet-friendly store assistants (Eve, Lauren 1, Sinead, Sophie, Lauren 2) clearly contribute to this atmosphere, and whilst having a serious empathy and understanding of customers and their pets, they never take themselves too seriously.
How did you get started in the pet industry?
The late owner bought the store as a hobby in 2014 following his retirement as a successful plant hire entrepreneur. His love for dogs, birds and all creatures, great and small, gave him a sense of pride and that he was helping to feed them all! Whilst a mainly hands-off owner, he could be seen feeding the ducks in the adjacent river most days.
Do you have any pets?
We have English Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
How do you stand out from the crowd?
We have multiple brand loyalty schemes, our own store loyalty scheme, ample parking, and positive customer engagement. Plus, all animals are catered to whether they walk, fly or swim, and above all, we are a fun place to purchase your animal needs.
What do you feed your pets?
I tend to feed my pets a variety of grain free kibble, Forthglade and Natures Menu.
What do you recommend to your customers?
Whilst stocking most major brands, we generally refrain from recommendations as we believe our customers appreciate unbiased advice.
What is the most frequently asked question from your customers?
I would say the most common question is "My dog is fussy, what should I feed it with?"
What are the biggest challenges for your business?
The biggest challenges for us are pet food wholesale price inflation and cost of living issues.
Tell us your best (family-friendly) animal joke?
Why can't dogs use the TV remote?
They always press paws!
It's never too early to look after your dog's teeth
What's your best-selling product?
Our best-selling product is our hand-chopped 100% natural training treats weighed out in 350g bags.
What do you think is the best new product of the year so far?
I would say "Itch", as the products have the same ingredients and effectiveness as other more expensive and well-known brands.
What trends are you seeing coming through?
Frozen raw food and yak milk chews seem to be exponentially growing in popularity.
