Holiday presents for pets left at home: Brits splash out on pet gifts when returning from summer hols

For many, the final holiday treat is a little something from the in-flight duty free on a trip back home. But for an increasing number of holidaymakers onboard Thomas Cook Airlines flights, instead of splashing out on a perfume or a bottle of their favourite tipple, pangs of guilt are leading them to opt for a Dog Treat Bag by Pedigree or a Pet Plane Pull for the pooch that has been left behind.

The pet presents have been available onboard since summer 2005 and have soared in popularity since their introduction and the range may well be extended in winter 2008. Sam Mackie, Director of cabin services, commented: "The popularity of the dog treats just goes to show that we really are a nation of dog lovers! Interestingly, canine treats appear to sell much more than presents for our feline friends. We introduced them three years ago for a trial period, but now, we can't imagine not having them in our catalogue."

It's not only the pet products that have been hugely popular: men's grooming items have also been flying off the trolleys. Big sellers include the exclusive Tom Ford for Men aftershave and the chaps have also been puckering up with the Clinique Lip Balm for Men. Women have been taking advantage of the fantastic prices onboard, treating themselves to semi-precious stones in the new Lola Rose jewellery collection. A surprise big-seller, which was new to the collection this summer, is the Tintamar Very Intelligent Pocket – a small bag designed to easily lift the contents of one bag into another.

Mackie continued: "With our in-flight retail we try to offer as much variety as possible so that customers can really treat themselves to something that is a little bit more exclusive. We're currently planning what we'll have on board for winter 2008 and will look closely at what has been well received by customers this summer."

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