Sat in Theatre Yard, as far as pet shops go, this one is certainly quirky. “We wanted to specialise a bit with unusual stuff,” Tony says. But, ‘unusual’ here, is a drive for natural and healthy with a focus on the holistic. Good food, good toys, and good treats. Carole also works with the Reach Sled Dog Rescue charity, who focus on rehoming Northern breeds like Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds and Huskies. Tony is also an artist, and offers dog portrait work as part of the Barkworthy service. Let’s put some random, and not so random, questions to Carole and Tony.
5. What advice might you give to someone starting an indie shop?
Carole: “Research the area. Come a few times to see if it would suit the business you’re trying to set up see how many businesses are like your business, because you don’t want to saturate the market. So, if it’s something niche, and say, something that Chesterfield hasn’t got, its a great idea. There’s a lot of empty shops, there’s a lot of empty market hall stalls. Maybe start in the market hall and trial it out because the rents are a lot lower. Or even a market stall. And see what people think of it, before you sign a three year lease.”
Tony: “And do something you’re passionate about, because it’s something you’re going to be doing it every day. And try to be different. Innovate. I think this is causing people to be more innovative, by the fact that there’s so many empty shops. So, yeah… and try to do unusual things with products.” Photo: Birthday treats in the Barkworthy Dog Emporium, Chesterfield
6. Okay. Last question. What’s the answer to life?
Carole: “Dogs… because dogs make you happy! Get a dog.” Photo: Tony working on a dog portrait at Barkworthy Dog Emporium, Chesterfield