The young entrepreneur behind a popular Co Armagh Pet Shop has regrettably announced her decision to close to allow her more time for her personal life and family.
At the tender age of 20, Rachelle Mackin took a bold step into business opening her very own ethical pet store, Pet Domain on the Portadown Road on the forecourt of the Go filling station.
A self-confessed animal lover, with a Staffy, a one-eyed cat and two hamsters, Rachelle noticed that many people had got themselves furry or scaly companions during the lockdown and saw an opportunity.
In those four years, she remained eagle-eyed for all possible opportunities to both support her community and expand her business.
For her second anniversary celebrations, Rachelle announced that she had expanded her pet portfolio by acquiring the Lisburn-based online pet food store, ForPetzNI, one of Northern Ireland’s leading online pet stores.
It was an exciting expansion for Rachelle, who took great pride in having a strong physical presence coupled with a blossoming e-commerce site. It was the best of both worlds!
She then followed this up in year three with the launch of an exciting rewards scheme for customers with points added for every pound spent!
Giving back was always a focus at Pet Domain. Out of her own pocket, Rachelle started a clean streets initiative providing dog waste bins and bags with the support of several local business owners.
These she kept fully stocked year around for all passers-by to make use of. It was clear to all that Pet Domain was never just a way of making money, although it was her livelihood.
It was Rachelle’s heart and soul. She worked around the clock, often across seven days, clocking up double the weekly working hours of a those in a standard ‘9 to 5’.
And now, a sadly, she has announced her incredibly difficult decision to close up shop for a final time to take back some of that recreational time she has been missing for the last four years.
Said Rachelle: “With a heavy heart, I’ve made the decision to close Pet Domain.
“Running a small business has meant long hours — often 70 hours a week — and as anyone who’s self-employed knows, that comes at a cost to personal and family time.
“After a lot of thought, I’ve decided it’s time to open a new chapter.
“I want to sincerely thank all of my customers for the amazing support over the years. I’ve truly enjoyed the journey and getting to know so many of you.”
Speaking to Armagh I of that aforementioned “new chapter”, Rachelle said: “I know it’s sad and I am going to miss my regular customers but I am also so excited for this next part of my life.
“It’s been fun getting to know everyone and I have got so much experience through going into business for myself but I just really can’t wait to have some free time and not have the stresses of business to worry about!”
The shop will remain open as normal throughout February, and will be open weekends (Saturday and Sunday) during March as well as one or two days during the week.
Committed to her loyal customers, Rachelle added: “I’ll do my best during this time to help guide pet owners on continuing with the same pet food their pets are used to.
“Thank you all for your understanding and support.”
Rachelle’s website 4PetzNI will also be ceasing to trade with the shop closure.
She has already launched a 50% sale on a number of selected items to help clear stock and will continue to run offers in the final weeks ahead.
