Pets at Home has reported that it has seen like-for-like sales increase 1.7% in its first quarter regardless of its sales being affected by hot weather and a bad season for health and hygiene products.
Figures show full revenue rose by 6.4% to £224.2 million in the 16 weeks to July 16, while like-for-like revenues for merchandise increased by 0.9% and services revenue increased by 11.7%.
Chief executive at Pets at Home, Nick Wood said: “Our core strengths in advanced nutrition, vet and grooming services have continued to deliver in the first quarter, underpinned by our VIP loyalty club. We have been particularly pleased with such strong VIP membership signup and swipe rate of the card at tills.
“Following strong health & hygiene product performance in the prior year, we experienced a particularly challenging season this quarter, which alongside a short period of very hot weather in July, created a significant impact on group revenue performance.”
In the 16 week period, the pet retailer opened six veterinary practices, four groom room salons and three Pets at Home stores, plus a second premium dog store called Barkers of Marlow which is based on the high street.
Mr Wood added: “We expect new store and services openings to remain second half weighted and are confident in our rollout targets for the full year. Our full year outlook remains in-line with market expectations."
Figures have also shown that the VIP Club now has 3.6 million members which is a rise of over 400,000 since the last financial year.
