A new Arnold trader has taken a gamble on his future after leaving a well-paid corporate job to set up his own pet shop. Yaz Nuqul is the man behind one of Arnold Market Places' (AMP) first businesses, Catdog.
The store, which sells pet toys, equipment, treats and food, opened on Thursday and is solely run by 36-year-old Yaz, from Bingham. "It's been really good so far to be honest, nice and busy all day today," he told Nottinghamshire Live.
"It's been a really positive start. We've got the park across the road, so dog walkers come in from there." With a baby on the way, Yaz admits many people may think he has gone mad.
He turned down a promotion whilst an electrical wholesale manager in favour of starting a pet business. Swapping a company car and healthcare for cat toys and dog chews, he said there was "method to the madness".
Yaz said: "It was a very good job with very good prospects but I thought I didn't need to do it. Some people might think I'm crazy, it's a big gamble as I've got a baby on the way. But I wanted to do something on my own. Arnold is a great start but I want to be able to expand, whether it be online or multiple stores."
He added: "I know the company will take me back, so I'm not completely mad. It's a gamble but not a complete gamble. I'll just see where I can take it to. I chose this because it's a good market."
Explaining what sets his business apart, he said: "It's better quality, UK designed and manufactured products. I like to stock different things that you don't get at the likes of Pets at Home. Different brands for things like collars, harnesses and leads. There's also a big focus on natural products in terms of food and treats. Stuff you can't get on the high street."
Yaz also insists that the name of the shop has nothing to do with the 90s American cartoon series Catdog. "I want to make that clear as I don't want any trademark infringements. I came up with the name and someone said 'like the cartoon?' he said.
The business owner said his family had been largely supportive, but recalled: "At times my wife said to me just stay and she had a bit of a panic when I first left. She said 'what have you done?'"
His dad, Sam Nuqul, a business owner of 31 years himself, said: "It was a bit worrying at the beginning, but he seems to know what he's doing. I'm confident that he'll do well. I encouraged him as this is the time to do it. If he doesn't he'll regret it."
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