Britain’s Oldest Pet Store Marks New Chapter with a Move to a Bigger Unit in the Grainger Market

Robinson’s Pet Store, Britain’s oldest pet store and a much-loved fixture of the Grainger Market, is marking a new milestone as it moves into a bigger space.

Nick Robinson, owner of the pet shop, has been part of the Grainger Market community since childhood. His grandfather Ernest first opened Robinson’s Pet Store after spotting an opportunity in 1929, before handing the keys to Nick’s father. The family has pioneered numerous firsts in the UK pet industry, including the introduction of canned puppy food and Britain’s first self-service pet store.

As part of the move, a familiar face has also found a new home - Ernest, the iconic vintage dog that has sat proudly on the Robinson’s rooftop for 70 years, named after Nick’s grandfather. The new store will also have a window display dedicated to the shop’s history, featuring images from the opening day and iconic products that were popular with Geordie pet owners in the 1900’s.

Speaking about the move, Nick said: “I’m really pleased to be opening a bigger shop – it's going to be great for the team and our customers. Robinson’s Pet Store has been a huge part of my story and an important place for hundreds of pet owners in the past 96 years. Saying goodbye to our first shop was a strange feeling – but one that I know my grandad would be in support of. I know he’d be telling me to go for it, take on a bigger shop and to continue to help our customers in whatever way we can.”

Robinson’s Pet Store continues to serve generations of loyal customers, offering a wide range of toys, treats, food, beds, and accessories, as well as the warm, knowledgeable service that has always set the shop apart. From sharing in customers’ joy at welcoming new pets to supporting them through sad goodbyes, the Robinson family has always prided itself on treating every pet as part of the family.

Nick added: “The Market has always been full of character and characters, and Robinson’s has always been about people as much as pets. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do – without them, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “This is a wonderful success story for the Grainger Market. I’m sure there isn’t a pet owner in Newcastle who hasn’t visited or heard of Robinson’s Pet Store, and for Nick to be expanding and moving to a bigger space is not only testament to his own achievements but also those of the market for nurturing and developing local businesses.

“These are exciting times for the Grainger Market as we continue with the transformational improvement works. I would whole-heartedly like to thank each and every trader for their support and positivity during this time. I appreciate the works may be causing some inconvenience, but I am sure everyone is looking at the bigger picture and to the market’s bright future.

“We would like to wish Nick and Robinson’s Pet Store the best of luck in his new location in our wonderful market.”

Robinson’s Pet Store is now open in its new unit at 184-186, Alley 4, Grainger Market, Newcastle.