Pets at Home have been boosted by increased pet ownership during lockdown (Tim Goode/PA)Higher demand for pets during the coronavirus lockdown has helped to drive Pets at Home to better-than-expected trading figures for the past quarter. The retailer said it was “encouraging to see tangible signs of heightened demand for pet ownership” as people changed their lifestyles and looked for company during lockdown. Like-for-like sales dipped 13.5% in the eight weeks from March 27 but surged by 12% in the subsequent eight weeks as demand returned. Pets at Home kept the majority of its stores open throughout the lockdown after it was granted essential retailer status. “The inherent resilience in our pet care model and the underlying pet care market, as well as encouraging signs of increased pet ownership, all underpin our confidence in seizing the future and progressing specific, strategic priorities.

Source: Irish Independent July 31, 2020 10:52 UTC