The Cat Gallery in Low Petergate celebrates 25 years in York

The Cat Gallery, founded by Peter and Alison Hanson, has grown over the years, becoming a thriving addition to York’s independent trading scene.

It is also said to be unique to the United Kingdom, if not the world.

The business began at 76 Low Petergate, which is now the Silvarious jewellery store, before moving after four years to 27 Stonegate, where Molly Browns clothing store is today.

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Then, in 2010, it moved to its current site at 45 Low Petergate, which was expanded to include an upstairs floor in 2023.

Marking the 25-year milestone, customers will be treated to a complimentary cupcake with any purchase from 10am to 11.30am on Thursday July 16.

Sterling Silver and Enamel Lucky Cats (Image: Pic supplied)

The popular shop will also unveil a limited-edition Italian-crafted sterling silver and enamel Lucky Cat collectible, made by Saturno.

Director Peter Hanson said: “My finance colleagues at Tesco thought I was mad to forego a comfortable existence to run a Cat Shop. The smiles I see on our customers faces every day tells me that this was the best career decision I ever made”

The couple launched the shop in 2001, after leaving careers in accountancy and relocating 200 miles from Welwyn-Garden City, north of London, to York.

The front cover of the 2001 catalogue (Image: Pic supplied)

Peter said: “In 2000, we decided to give it all up and to pursue our passion of running a cat shop. There was one in Brighton, Canterbury and Bath. One of the reasons we came to York is we wanted to get away from the competition.

“The other cat shops later stopped trading so York is the only place where there is a brick, click and flick (mail order catalogue) site. Nobody else in the world has a brick, click and flick cat shop.”

Their ecommerce site, thecatgallery.co.uk, went live on opening day in 2001, and just nine weeks later the couple issued their first mail-order catalogue.

The business grew over the years, with its latest expansion in 2023, following the launch of the shop’s ‘Lucky Cats.’

Peter said: “They were so successful, we expanded into the first floor and set up the Lucky Cat shop.”

However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing.

Peter said: “Over the years we have survived the loss of tourists after 9-11, the financial crash, Brexit, the pandemic and more.

“We have had our ups and downs. But business is solid, despite the headwinds and the pressures. We have a loyal customer base. We sell what people want. We hold our own and probably punch above our weight.”

Alfie and Charlie Peter, Alison’s cats (Image: Pic supplied)

The Cat Gallery is not only a retail success but also a supporter of feline welfare.

The business has raised more than £115,000 for cat-related charities over the past five years, £200,000 over the decade, through fundraising efforts including marathon runs and donations from Lucky Cat sales.

The shop also sponsors the York Cat Hunt, formerly known as the York Cat Trail, which guides visitors around the city to discover its famous cat statues.

The Hansons also manage catsinyork.com, the first website to document York’s cat statues and recommend a themed walking tour of the city.

Looking ahead, Peter, who is 59, expects he and Alison won’t be in the store for another 25 years.

He added: “We need to start thinking about the legacy and where our business goes. We have a fantastic team of people capable of carrying on for another 25 years.

“We have done the cat trail and hunt and we want that to continue. We will launch new and interesting lucky cats and continue to source the best quality merchandise.”

Have you been to the shop? What did you buy? What did you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.