Veterinary products manufacturer Johnson’s has issued its full support to a campaign that promotes specialist pet shops over large supermarket retailers.

The campaign, entitled Don’t Forget Us, was recently launched by PampurredPets, the largest independent High Street pet chain in the south of England, and is designed to show the public that specialist shops can compete with supermarket prices.

This philosophy is heartily endorsed by Nick Franks, operations director of Johnson’s Veterinary Products, who explained: “Pet owners receive not only competitive prices from independent retailers, but also a better and more personal service, as well as a wider range of highly-effective products, many of which are unavailable from supermarket shelves.” Nick Franks continued: “A prime example is Johnson’s own 4fleas range of treatment for cats and dogs, which is the first of its kind to be made available without a vet’s prescription, and is available only from independent retailers.

“No supermarket would be in a position to provide support advice and guidance to customers, whereas an independent retailer is able to help the customer with the appropriate choice of treatment for specific pet ailments and guidance on how to administer it.”

Simon Carr, chairman of Pet Product Retail Association, and an independent pet product retailer, is delighted to see that Johnson’s, who were worthy winners of two PPRA Awards at this year’s Pet Index exhibition, is endorsing independent pet shops. PPRA is the organisation for independent pet product retailers, providing a wide range of services to enable them to maintain competitive and profitable businesses.

He also believes that customers benefit from a wealth of knowledge and experience when they buy from a specialist independent retailer.