Pets at Home has reported a “resilient” start to the year, with total consumer revenue up 1.5% to £576.6m as it maintained its profit guidance for the full year.
The pet specialist said the growth was supported by higher average customer spending and a 3% year-over-year increase in active Pets Club members, now totalling 8 million.
Group revenue grew by 1% to £441.1m, with like-for-like revenue edging up 0.5%.
Pets at Home’s vet business was a standout performer, with revenue up 17.1%, driven by higher average spend, more frequent visits, and an influx of new customers.
In contrast, its retail arm saw a slight decline, with both revenue and like-for-likes down 0.8%.
However, Pets at Home noted consistent market share gains in key categories, suggesting that its retail offering continues to “resonate with consumers”.
The group has maintained its full-year guidance, anticipating an underlying pre-tax profit of £144m.
It expects like-for-like sales “to improve improve in future quarters as comparatives ease”, as it sees strong product availability and benefits from its new digital platform.
Chief executive Lyssa McGowan said: “We are pleased to have delivered a resilient Q1, with our growth improving through the quarter as our offer continued to resonate well with UK pet owners.
“The benefits of our investments in logistics, stores and digital are coming through, and our unique joint venture vets continued to deliver differentiated performance, growing visits and attracting new customers, driven by our passionate, independent practice owners.
“As ever it is our people, and their unrivalled expertise, that continue to drive our business.”
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