Sales grow thanks to pet boom

PETS At Home has seen its firstquarter revenues boosted as it continues to profit from the pandemic pet boom.

The pet supplier said its total revenue grew 7.1% to £404.7 million in the 16 weeks to July 21, while revenue for its vet arm increased by 11%.

The company acquired 1.1 million new customers last year as the lockdown-driven boom in pet ownership created new opportunities for animal retailers.

Sign-ups to its puppy and kitten club - a subscription service for pet owners - averaged 25,000 a week, three times higher than before Covid, the retailer said.

It also reported a record number of loyalty club members, growing 10.7% year-on-year to total 7.4 million people paying for the service.

In May, the group’s outgoing chief executive said cash-strapped households would rather cut back on eating out and buying a new car before spending less on their pets.

It came as the company reported record annual profits, surging 65.3% compared to the previous year.

Pets At Home’s total revenue grew 7.1% to £404.7 million in the 16 weeks to July 21