Marcus Pearcey takes over Joe's Pets stall on Norwich Market

Joe Silvester announced last month that he was retiring after 50 years and putting his beloved brand, Joe's Pets, up for sale.

Just one day after the news of his retirement broke, Joe had received offers to buy the business from more than 15 applicants, which "blew him away".

Joe's Pets has been a staple at Norwich Market for nearly five decades (Image: Joe Silvester)

"The way people have reacted has been overwhelming," he said. "I am over the moon to have had so much interest."

It can now be confirmed that Marcus Pearcey, the owner of Salhouse Farm Shop & Cafe and the Sole and Heel pub in Rackheath, will take over the stall in June. 

Marcus said: "Joe and I have been friends for years and years and Joe's Pets is an iconic part of the city.

Joe is bidding farewell to his stall following a recent health scare (Image: Joe Silvester)

"It's a lovely business and we will keep it as Joe's Pets because everybody knows that name."

As well as expanding the stall's offerings to include more "raw" pet food, Marcus intends to build its online presence with a website and delivery options. 

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"There's a huge market for this kind of thing and Joe's is a perfect fit for it," he added.

"Our goal for the future is to expand the business and hopefully have it around for another 50 years."

Businessman Marcus Pearcey will take over the stall and keep it as Joe's Pets (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

To celebrate the sale, Marcus and Joe will hold a ceremonial "handing over the bone" sometime next month. 

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Joe, 73, said of the new owner: "I wish him all the best with it and I'm so proud that my stall will carry on after me. 

"I'm really, really pleased and my late wife would be proud of me as well."

Mr Pearcey also owns the Butcher Bhoy pub close to the stall, in Exchange Street.