Pets at Home has reported it is on track with its full year expectations after sales increased 2.7% in its first quarter.
The increase was driven by strong demand in its pet grooming, nutrition products, veterinary service and omnichannel.
Other figures show that merchandise like-for-like revenue grew 2.2% and services like-for-like sales increased 7.5%, with total revenue growth climbing 8.9% to £244.2 million.
Also in the first quarter, the pet retailer opened four new stores, six Groom Room salons and three Vets4Pets practices, as well as its VIP club members growing to 3.5 million, a rise of around 200,000 since the end of the last financial year.
Ian Kellett, chief executive, said: he was "pleased” with the “positive start to the year". Adding “Whilst the consumer outlook is uncertain, we remain confident in our long-term strategy and are reassured by the historical resilience of the pet market in times of economic downturn.”
Future plans for Pets at Home include opening 20 new stores, up to 55 new vet practices and 60 pet grooming salons.
