High street chain Wilko is rolling out the red carpet for pets in some of its North East stores after a successful trial in two branches nationally.
The discounter, which has 27 stores in the North East, is allowing pets into 248 of its 420 stores across the UK, including the branches in South Shields, Alnwick, Ashington, Durham, Jarrow and Blyth.
The participating stores are primarily those with their own on-street entrance and exit rather than those that are, for example, located in shopping centres, which may not allow any animal guests, or where the entrance isn’t pet friendly.
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Pet lovers visiting Wilko stores in Newcastle, Sunderland or the Metrocentre will have to leave their pets at home.
Even when animals are allowed, they won't be allowed free reign of the stores - food aisles will be strictly out of bounds.
The announcement has left customers divided, with many applauding the open-door policy, although others had their reservations when the home and garden chain released the new policy on Facebook.
The statement released on Facebook by the chain read: "A pet is more than just a pet, they’re family. That’s why we’ve decided to welcome pets in-store at 248 of our locations.
"We hope that shoppers will enjoy bringing their furry friends along with them."
This prompted happy replies from a number of customers as they look forward journeys to their local store with their close companion, but others also threatened to boycott Wilko completely.
One said "It's a nice gesture, but not everyone likes dogs, even well behaved ones. As a child, I was terrified of them and no amount of "he/she is really friendly" will cut it if you are scared. You are not a pet shop, dog owners can socialise their pets elsewhere, shoppers shouldn't need to worry about being confronted by a dog whilst buying wallpaper, toilet rolls and biscuits."
Another said: "My daughter is terrified of dogs, we now won't be visiting Wilko," while another agreed, saying: "My son doesn't like dogs either nor do I! Big mistake."
Wilko tried to reassure concerned customers with replies to comments on the social media platform, including: "Many customers think of pets as family members, which is why we want to let them in store wherever we can."
But a lot of Facebook visitors welcomed the idea, with one saying: "What a brilliant idea! I really don't like being among loads of people so having a few dogs about will make me feel much more relaxed., while another said: "Love this, would much rather shop with dogs at least the dogs will be on leads and kept under control unlike the out of control screaming children who run around everywhere touching everything, seems like this is a fair deal well done Wilko!!"
Wilko said that although the policy extended to all pets, it expected most would be dogs or cats.
A spokesperson said: "Wilko stocks everything from pet food to treats, bedding to toys, cleaning supplies to healthy pet essentials and even presents, costumes and accessories during key seasonal celebrations such as Christmas. For other animal family members, the retailer is also home to reptile, bird and fish pet supplies."
Signs at store entrances will make it clear if pets are welcome, although customers can also check with the store team if they are at all unsure.
Service dogs will continue at all stores nationwide, even those which do not allow pet visitors.
