Ideal Pet Stores in Clitheroe could close after 54 years

Phillip Preston, who co-owns Ideal Pet Stores alongside his wife Paula, said the shop could close early next year “unless things improve dramatically”.

Phillip, who has worked at the shop for 26 years and has been manager since the mid-2000s, said issues started during the pandemic.

Phillip and Paula Preston are worried about the future of their business (Image: Phillip Preston)

He said: “Since the pandemic, it’s been very difficult not only for us but for everyone in general.

“Since Covid people’s shopping habits have changed. I think people who didn’t shop online were forced to try it [and still do it].

“I don’t blame them as shopping [at supermarket chains] is easy. We understand but we want to get people to put the effort in and visit little shops.

"Price-wise, we are pretty good really and we have varied stock It’s just a matter of getting people through the doors.”

Ideal Pet Stores (Image: Phillip Preston) Phillip said he has lost countless nights of sleep, worrying about the future of the Moor Lane business.

He said: “There have been a few sleepless nights as you think about what you are going to do.

"We have been watching the bank account going down so come January or February we can’t afford to pay the wage.

“We have been thinking about what to do and how to cut costs, even just a little bit. You often find yourself working for less than minimum wage and you don’t get your 28 days paid leave like you do in other jobs.

“Sometimes you think it would be so much easier to work for someone else but then you get up and you keep going.”

According to Phillip, the struggle has not been helped by rising issues with shoplifting which are plaguing retail businesses.

He said: “We have always presumed that items go missing off the shelves. Just the other day we had a £20 dog bed outside taken.

“I don’t think anyone would have been that desperate for a dog bed so I am inclined to think it’s kids messing about.”

Phillip and Paula have since opened up about their struggles on social media, encouraging the public to remember the small business while shopping for pet items.

Phillip said the response to the post has been “overwhelming”.

He said: “I didn’t want to put the post on and it was a little like admitting defeat.

“I had a lot of messages of support from people and businesses. I have also had other pet stores send a message of support.

“I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and response. We thought it might bring a few people in and help for a little while longer Putting the post on was quite difficult.

“If people just came down and brought a few bits and bobs it would be a great help.”