Raw pet food shop opens up

A new specialist shop selling raw pet food has opened its doors in Telford. Owners Keith Murray and partner Ros Crocker had started the move to open their first raw pet food store before the Covid-19 pandemic hit and despite the downturn in the economy they have been determined to open their retail shop.

Roxy’s Raw Food opened its doors at Wombridge Road Shopping Centre in Trench this week, and due to the demand the couple had taken pre-orders for delivery and collection.

There has been so much interest in the shop that people have been calling in with their dogs as the shop has been prepared. Keith and Ros have completely revamped the premises on Teagues Crescent so it is ready for its first customers.

The shop sells frozen raw dog food and will look to expand its offering for other pets in the future. The full range of products can be viewed at www.roxysrawfood.co.uk

The couple had been making a 60-mile round trip to buy raw food for their much loved dogs Roxy and Tigger and wanted to be able to offer the products closer to home to pet lovers across the borough.

Keith said: “Raw pet food is already a huge market across the UK and an area which has experienced significant growth over the last 12 months. We had enjoyed the improved health and wellbeing of our beloved dogs Roxy and Tigger since introducing a raw food diet and wanted to be able to offer this conveniently here in Telford.

“We have been doing a 60-mile round trip for our raw dog food which meant to make it economical we had to stock up for a few weeks but that brought problems like storage space and also time. We wanted to bring this offering to the high street with convenient parking, first class raw food supplies and products and convenient opening times and service.

“Obviously Covid-19 and lockdown wasn’t part of the business plan but we have opened under social distancing rules so just like people have been queuing two metres apart to go into supermarkets the same is happening at Roxy’s Raw Food and we will operate a one in, one out procedure for now until rules are relaxed further.

“We will also be operating a delivery service as just like people want their weekly food shop delivered to their door, they also want and need the same service for their dogs.”

Ros said the power and importance of “shop local” had been demonstrated in recent weeks and hoped this would continue post-lockdown.

“We want people to really appreciate those who have gone above and beyond and to continue using their local shop or supplier as we come through this pandemic."

Pictured: Owners of Roxy's Raw Food Keith Murray and partner Ros Crocker with their pet dog Roxy