High Street Hounds: New business to open doors in Lowestoft

Described as 'Your dog's favourite store', High Street Hounds is a new venture which will be run by Katie Sandford as it opens on High Street in Lowestoft at 10am on Saturday, February 10.

High Street Hounds is a new venture which will be run by Katie Sandford. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Steeped in history, and previously a beauty salon, the building at 66, High Street in Lowestoft was also a restaurant and a long-serving tobacconists for most of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Now it is set to provide "something unique" for Lowestoft, as High Street Hounds is open between 10am and 4pm from Tuesday to Saturday each week.

Ms Sandford, 27, said: "I chose the High Street given the community aspect of being on the historic high street and also the connection with my parents' shop."

With her parents running Uncle Sid's Zero Waste Store - further down the High Street - she added: "It is an area that I've always liked.

"Knowing the people who shop there I wanted to start the business here and bring something unique to town.

High Street Hounds is a new store in Lowestoft which will be run by Katie Sandford. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"I saw there was a gap in the market for this type of store and it spiralled from there.

"We are a dog store that specialises in providing sustainable food - including Kibble dried dog food and top quality raw food - as well as natural treats, toys, accessories, harnesses, collars and much more."

Opening day offers

Ms Sandford admitted that her main inspiration for running High Street Hounds was her rescue dog - a German Shepherd cross with Husky, called Mabel.

After completing an online canine nutrition course, and researching information and items for rescue dogs, it highlighted the importance of "healthy dogs" and "having a balanced diet for dogs" - which is set to be a staple for the new store.

She added: "We can't wait to provide you with the best products for your furry friends."

Katie Sandford holding a hamper of dog goods which is the prize in an online opening week draw. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Ms Sandford has spent the past couple of months preparing for the opening of the new business and she now "can't wait" to open.

For the opening day tomorrow, there will be 'free pup cups' offering treats for all pooches, while the first 10 customers who enter the new shop will receive a free gift.

An online giveaway is also running, which can be entered on the opening day.