Overview
- Ark Pet Centre said Thursday it had ceased trading with immediate effect after three decades in business.
- The owners cited huge rising costs and a “perfect storm” in the economy that made the business unsustainable.
- All Devon branches shut at once, including Exeter’s St Thomas site, Plymouth’s Transit Way and The Broadway, and Paignton’s Hyde Road, with the Exeter shop trading since 2006.
- In their statement, the owners said they aimed to be more than a shop by offering trusted pet-care advice and they thanked their staff and loyal customers.
- Customers reacted with shock and asked what would happen to animals still in-store, and the company has not publicly responded to those questions.