Dogs – and cats – welcome at Wilko Newbury after high street chain launches pet-friendly shopping

High street chain store Wilko is welcoming pets in store for the first time this week at 248 of its locations nationwide, including Newbury.

The rollout to more than two thirds of the home and garden retailer’s stores follows a successful pilot at two locations.

Furry friends, on their leads if applicable, will be able to browse all areas of the participating stores except for food aisles.

The brand expects most of the pet customers will be either dogs or cats.

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.

Signage 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 are, of course, welcome at all stores nationwide.

A statement on Wilko Newbury's website says: "A pet is more than just a pet, they're family. That's why pets are welcome at your local Wilko in Newbury."