Wilko customers remained divided after announcing that dogs are welcome in 200 UK stores

Wilko left customers divided after announcing that dogs are allowed into all UK stores.

The homewares retailer released a statement on Monday announcing that pets are now welcome in all of its 248 stores.

The statement posted to Facebook by the channel on Monday read: “A pet is more than just a pet, it’s a family. That’s why we’ve decided to welcome pets in store in 248 of our locations.

“We hope shoppers enjoy bringing their furry friends with them.

“Please check the new signage at the entrance to your local store to see if they are participating.”

It drew cheery responses from a number of customers as they looked forward to heading to their local store with their beloved companion, but others also threatened to boycott Wilko altogether.

One customer commented: “It’s ok if they behave well. I have a guide dog and I find the Yaps on the straps quite a pain outside of the shops so it’s going to be very interesting in a confined space at the end of an aisle…and no, my dog ​​doesn’t want to talk to your dog, he’s working! Guide dogs can get very stressed if a small dog barks around their paws!”

Another said: ‘My daughter is terrified of dogs, we won’t be visiting Wilkos again.’

A third added: “What a brilliant idea! I really don’t like being around loads of people, so having a few dogs will make me feel much more relaxed. I don’t understand why people are so against dogs in stores, when you think of the very ‘sick’ humans walking around that are much more dangerous to all of us.”

Wilko tried to reassure worried customers by responding to comments on the social media platform, including: “Many customers consider pets to be family, which is why we want to leave them in store everywhere. where we can.

“We only welcome pets into stores that meet their needs and ask that they be kept away from food aisles.

“Check the signage at the entrance to see if your Wilko store is pet-friendly!”

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