Omnichannel services helped Pets at Home report sales growth in the first half of its financial year.
The specialist retailer of pet food, accessories, products and services, a Model retailer in InternetRetailing’s IRUK500 research, reported total revenues of £404.5m in the 28 weeks to March 27, 6% up on the same time last year, or 1.8% on a like-for-like basis.
That growth, it said, was: “driven by strength in Advanced Nutrition, VIP Club, Services and omnichannel,” but “offset by continuing seasonal challenge to health and hygiene products, alongside evolution in mix in selected grocery and accessories categories.”
Sales of merchandise grew by 1%, like-for-like, and of services by 10.5%. During the first half the company opened six Pets at Home superstores, parts of plans to open as many as 25 new stores during the year, as well as five branches of Barkers, up to 55 new vet practices and 60 grooming salons.
Chief executive Nick Wood said in today’s trading statement that stronger profit growth would come in the second half of the year.
“Whilst trading in parts of the business has been weaker than expected, the core strategic drivers are performing well and in order to support their growth, we continue to invest in our colleagues and seamless shopping experience,” he said.
