New independent shop to open in Harrogate showing positive spirit in challenging times

Bucking the general trend in retail, talented Harrogate pet love Emily Ong is proud to be turning her successful Peach & Pooch online business into a physical shop located at 25 Regent Parade.

An independent pet shop with a twist, based on Emily's own brand and creativity, Peach & Pooch offers a range of pet products, all lovingly drawn, designed and handmade by Yorkshire born-and-bred Harrogate resident, Emily.

Emily said: "I’m a Harrogate local and I am excited to be opening the doors to Peach & Pooch.

At a time where we are all making more effort to support small businesses and shop locally I hope that our unique little independent can provide some positivity for residents and their furry friends.

"It has been immensely challenging to embark on this new adventure under the uncertainties of COVID-19, especially as a small business that began life in my spare room, but we’re really looking forward to transforming into one of Harrogate’s local independents.

"It has to be said that timing was initially against us, as we signed the lease on the shop right before lockdown hit, so needless to say our journey has been a bit of a rollercoaster.

"But Peach & Pooch was born from passion and I really believe in the brand and the idea. If you don’t try, you don’t know.

"It’s an exciting and slightly nerve-racking stage for our little business, but I’m hoping we’ll land on our paws and provide a unique and fun service for North Yorkshire. "

Peach & Pooch’s first ever bricks-and-mortar shop will offer Harrogate’s pet-lovers the chance to treat their animals to one-of-kind pet products that are stylish, original, useful and fun.

Opening on Saturday, July 25, Emily, whose background is in textile design, is a pet owner herself.

In fact, her four home 'studio assistants', Margo and Phoebe the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, and Reggie and Ronnie the ginger cats, are usually the first to try out her designs!

She originally launched Peach and Pooch in 2017, through a combined love of animals and illustration.

The business sells a range of pet products such as collars, leads, bandanas, and even personalised blankets and portraits – all lovingly designed, drawn and handmade in Harrogate by Emily.

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She said she is immensely proud all her products are made completely in North Yorkshire.

Emily said: "I am passionate about pets and I know that the people of Harrogate are as well.

"As a pet owner, it was my aspiration to create products from scratch that were stylish, original and most of all, fun.

"I’m really proud to say that all my products are made right here, in North Yorkshire, from start to finish."

For the physical version of Peach & Pooch, Emily has also recruited a real pet expert.

She said: "After building my business online for three years and shipping my products to hundreds of people around the world, opening a shop with my friend, Vicky, in my hometown of Harrogate felt the right next step.

"Vicky is really looking forward to coming on board and offering her expertise as a practising Registered Veterinary Nurse when it comes to food, treat and toy options."

For more information, visit www.peachandpooch.co.uk

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