Carole turns pet idea into business reality

Feb 25 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A FORMER charity finance manager is making a splash after moving into the pet shop business.

Carole Harris took over the pet shop in Newmarket Street in Consett, renamed it Consett Pet and Aquatics Centre, and then a couple of weeks later she moved it lock, stock and barrel to new premises two doors down the street.

She said: “When I bought the business, I was told there had been a pet shop in Newmarket Street for 80 years, so I was confident that this was a solid venture. Moving into the new premises means I can make more on both sides of the business on two floors.”

The new shop is split between aquatics – selling tropical fish and accessories – on the ground floor and small animals on the first floor. The new shop is located on a corner and was previously used by the former owners of the pet shop as storage space. The pet shop was originally based in the premises that Carole initially rented.

Mrs Harris said: “A lot of people are noticing it since it’s been renovated. It’s a lot more visible on a corner, I felt it was more customer-friendly. Word’s getting around – I’m getting more and more new customers every week.”

The business is staffed by a full time aquatics expert and one part time member of staff, who were both employed by the previous owners.