More shops allowing customers with dogs in – including John Lewis

Iain Duncan Smith blasts Starmer’s ‘ludicrous John Lewis stunt’

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A rise in online shopping means fewer people are going clothes shopping on the high street. But now, some shops are changing their rules on dogs entering stores to attract more customers.

Shoppers taking their dog for a walk along their local high street can now enter more stores with their furry friend.

Both shops and banks are relaxing their rules on allowing pets into stores and branches.

Dogs will no longer have to wait outside while their owners shop.

Britons can visit Dogfriendly.co.uk to see which shops and banks are now permitting dogs.

Up to 2,300 British retailers are listed on Dogfriendly.co.uk’s database.

This is a 10 percent annual rise.

Among the new additions are Wilko, John Lewis, and Metro bank.

H&M, Whistles, and Apple are also allowing dogs into their stores.

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It is evident that the pandemic has changed the way Britons shop, and many people are looking at which stores welcome dogs before they even leave the house.

So far this year there have been 169 percent more searches for dog-friendly retailers than in the whole of 2020, reported The Times.

Steve Bennett, Dogfriendly.co.uk’s co-founder, said: “High street shops are realising that dog owners represent a huge proportion of their customer base.”

Allowing dogs to enter shops may also reduce dog theft and help prevent dogs being kept in the car for hours.

The RSPCA said dog-friendly shops could help to “avoid thefts of pets that have been tied up outside”.

However, it added that owners should think about whether their dog was confident enough in new places and around new people.

A spokesperson from the charity said: “It’s important to think about it from the dog’s perspective, particularly with lockdown puppies or adult dogs who may have missed out on vital socialisation.”

The Dogs’ Trust said the changes in shops rules “reduces the risk of dogs being left at home, unattended in the street or in the car for long periods of time”.

But some shops have refused to change their stance on allowing dogs to enter their branches.

Marks and Spencer, Next, and Primark will remain dog-free zones, permitting only assistance dogs inside.

Next said there had been “issues” with dog mess and was wanted to be considerate of people’s allergies or fear of dogs.

With some clothes retailers having closed for good this year, including Debenhams and Gap, allowing dogs into stores could boost spending on the British high street.

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