Stamford Animal and Pet Supplies forced to close after 24 years by cost of living but Oakham branch staying open

A town pet shop hit hard by spiralling costs and the effects of the pandemic is set to close its doors for the final time after 24 years.

Stamford Animal and Pet Supplies (SAPS), in Radcliffe Road, will close at the end of June, although it will be business as usual at its Oakham branch and head offices in Melton Road.

SAPS owners said they have been forced into the decision because of reduced footfall and the increased use of online retail during Covid-19, as well as the soaring cost of living.

“It’s unfortunately like a lot of shops in the high street all over the country,” said co-owner Bev Corby.

“It’s ever-increasing overhead costs to the point where outgoings are more than incomings. Plus shopping trends have changed since the pandemic.”

She added: “We battled through the pandemic and came out the other side, but unfortunately it’s now become untenable.

“People haven’t got the spare money to spend on the animals as they had before. They are struggling to buy food and pay the bills so luxuries for their animals have to be reduced. And people aren’t buying pets like they were.

“It’s just a combination of things, but it’s not a decision we have made lightly.”

The business was founded by Bev with husband and wife Geoff and Janet Jesson in Station Road, Stamford in 1985 before switching their headquarters to Oakham three years later.

The Radcliffe Road premises, in Hallidays Yard, has been a pet shop since 1980 when it was opened by the Animal Health Trust until SAPS took it over in May 1999.

The Stamford shop currently employs four members of staff, including Nicky Killon who has worked there for 10 years, and manager Pat Harrison who has worked in the shop for both businesses for 43 years. She will retire when the shop closes.

“It’s really sad and as staff we are gutted, but we know what’s happening and it really isn’t viable anymore,” said Nicky.

“It will be missed when it’s gone. We’ve had lots of people ringing in and chatting to us, but there’s literally nothing more that can be done. It’s one of those things.”

Bev described breaking the news to them as ‘heartbreaking’, but wants to repay the loyalty of Stamford customers by helping them where possible.

“We are staying open in Oakham at the head offices so we are here for the regular customers that have been loyal to us.

“If we can offer a delivery service to them we will be happy to try and accommodate their needs.”