Yesterday we were delighted to visit Chester-le-Street’s original family-owned pet shop, Chester Pet Stores and Grooming, and catch up with the friendly owner Jean.
The shop is an Aladdin’s cave of pet supplies, stocking all the essentials you might need for your dog, cat, or small furry creature! There’s also a good selection of food and supplies for wild and domestic birds, as well as an excellent fish section. From Wednesday to Saturday, the business also offers dog grooming upstairs, with a long history of satisfied canine clients.
The shop has been in its current location in Middle Chare – just off the Front Street, next to Elton’s Footwear – for over 30 years, yet there are still people who don’t know it’s there!
The history of the business goes back even further, though, with the shop thought to have traded from at least two other sites in the town before settling on its current location.
Jean’s own history with Chester Pet Stores is impressive too, having worked there continuously for the last 24 years, including as the owner for the last 18. With colleague Karen, who has clocked up more than 20 years herself, the two ladies have an incredible history of serving our town and its pets.
We love welcoming new businesses to Chester-le-Street – and there are new businesses opening all the time – but it’s just as important to appreciate and champion those shops that have been rooted in the community for many, many years – and hopefully many more to come!
Be sure to pay Jean and Karen a visit yourself, and we’d love to hear your stories if you’ve got memories of shopping at Chester Pet Stores in any of its past locations around the town!
