Pet Hamper opens first in-person store in Preston

Pet Hamper, the luxury pet retailer, has opened its first in-person store in Clifton Fields, Preston, following the success of its online business.

Pet Hamper is run by Emily Benson and Mark Jackson, who first launched the business during the pandemic after the pair found themselves unable to find a suitable gift for a friend’s pet.

This sparked the idea of creating hampers which could be gifted to pets and their owners. An online store followed and the pair have now expanded with the first physical store.

What is now the Pet Hamper store began as an office and storage space for the company, which was later converted by Jackson and Benson over several months.

The store sits within a small but thriving business community between Preston and Lytham which also features a dog-friendly café, an independent brewer, a hairdresser and a gym.

The new home of Pet Hamper also includes a chill-out area, arcade games and treats for pets.
Located on a converted farm, the buildings feature eco-friendly aspects such as biomass heating and solar panels.

The pet products which feature in the company’s bespoke hampers have been hand-selected from suppliers around the world, and can be found on “well-lit”, “recessed” shelving.

Additionally, Pet Hamper has also secured a number of corporate customers. The company’s products are available to guests staying at the Prince Akatoki Hotel in London, as incentives offered by insurance companies such as Animal Friends and Many Pets, and as rewards to customers of British Gas and Vodafone.

The duo also plan to spread the brand’s physical presence further afield, initially beginning with pop-up shops in other areas of the UK.

Benson, who took the lead on researching, designing and installing the store’s decor alongside company co-founder Jackson, said: “We didn’t want to go down the traditional route of stacked shelves, bright lights and funky smells. We wanted to create somewhere welcoming that people would look forward to visiting.

“Instead we took our style cues from home interior design experts. We’ve created somewhere that’s inviting and fun. There’s no reason to rush – customers are invited to take their time, chat with us about recommendations for pet gifts or about pet ownership in general, have a drink, have their photo taken – it’s a full experience.”

Jackson added: “Our business has grown from strength to strength since we launched. Opening a physical store, where we could meet and chat with our customers seemed like the next logical step and within our first few weeks we have received so much positive feedback. We’re delighted that we have been able to connect with so many animal lovers and that they appreciate what we have to offer.”