One of Marblehead’s longest-running businesses celebrated a new owner last week, as Kate Rhodes cut a bright red ribbon outside Worldly Pets at 112 Pleasant St. Rhodes, who lives in town, bought the popular pet shop in May from founders Diane True and Gail Novack, who have retired and plan to move to South Carolina.
Joining Rhodes at the ribbon cutting were family, friends and, of course, dogs. True and Novack were there, too, to say goodbye to longtime customers, many of whom became more like family.
The beloved pet store opened in 2007 on Tioga Way, moving to its current location in 2011. It sells everything from specialty pet food to toys to deer antlers for chewing.
Asked what she’ll miss most about Wordly Pets, True answered, “The family environment. I created a sincere bond and friendship with our customers and their pets that will last me a lifetime. They are all very special to me, and I will always treasure those memories.”
New challenge
Rhodes worked most recently at Atlantic Veterinary Clinic as a client care member. Owning a store is a new challenge for her.
“But it comes with the piece of mind that it is clearly a well-loved business with amazing and dedicated customers — something I want to continue to provide for my hometown that I love,” she told the Current.
Novack said, “Kate grew up in Marblehead, loves all animals and has a strong background in animal care. Her vision for the store aligned with ours, and we knew that the store would be in great hands with her at the helm.”
Novack added, “The store was our baby, and we wanted to make sure it thrived in the future. It also did not hurt that it continues to be a female-owned business in town.”
Rhodes said she’s already loving her new job. Her favorite part? “Getting to know so many of our loyal customers and their furry friends,” she said. “Hearing updates from patrons on how we help keep their pets happy and healthy is very satisfying, to say the least.”
Customers may get a chance to meet Rusty, Rhodes’ dog, who spends time at the shop. He has already picked out his favorite products.
Rusty is “particularly fond of St. Rocco’s Treats and collagen sticks… oh, and flavored whipped cream is always a nice treat at the end of the day,” Rhodes said.
Special corner
There is a special connection between Rhodes and that corner of Pleasant and School streets. Her grandmother worked at Howard’s News when it was in the same location.
“It’s somewhat cathartic to find myself so many years later coming to work in this same spot,” she said. “I think many of us that grew up in Marblehead have fond memories of stopping by Howard’s for their famous penny candy selection.”
For more information, visit worldlypetsmhd.com.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
