Angry Wilko shoppers threaten boycott as store begins to allow dogs inside
09.02.2022 - 01:29
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Wilko has given permission for dog owners to bring their pets into shops from today as part of a nationwide change.
However, some shoppers are upset with the alteration as it became clear that leads were not compulsory in the 248 stores across the UK.
The rollout has been made to over two-thirds of Wilko’s home and garden stores and will allow pets to browse all areas of participating stores, except for food aisles.
One disappointed Wilko customer even said she would be boycotting the business as a result, while Wilko responded by saying “many customers think of pets as family members”.
The disgruntled customer wrote: “This is no good for my child that has anaphylaxis reactions to animal dander and saliva.
“Service dogs have their place in stores and we can avoid them and monitor, they are well behaved etc.. pets do not belong in stores and raises the risk for my son to come in contact with areas that have been contaminated!
“We won’t be shopping in your all dogs welcome stores!”
Another fan of the shop, Charl Naylor, said: “I like dogs, but don’t particularly want them around me in a shop. Lots of people are afraid of dogs, and being in a confined space with them isn’t going to be a pleasant experience.
“Plus, I’d be afraid of stepping on paws if the dogs gets unwantingly too close (sic)…”
The participating stores are primarily those with their own on-street entrance and exit, with stores in Avonmeads and Bedminster both signing up to the changes, according to Bristol Post.
Natalie Mitchell said: “One shop I will now not be shopping in to keep myself and my assistance dog safe!!
“Wilko you should do better and no better shame on you! I have already had an incident in one of your stores with a pet dog trying to attack my