Pets at Home is the leading player in pet shops and superstores and accounted for a 40% value share in 2015.
The company saw a strong gain in value share, benefiting from ongoing outlet volume expansion.
Damian Shore, contributing analyst, comments that “Strong growth in UK pet care sales, a loyal customer base, an expanding store portfolio, the integration of pet services into its retail model and a growing online presence are the main factors driving growth for the UK pet superstore chain, Pets at Home.
All-natural products have been at the forefront of industry growth, as this characteristic resonates with a growing number of owners who want the best for their dogs and are transferring their own increased interest in health and nutrition to their pets. As Pets at Home stocks a wider range of premium pet food brands than most grocery retailers, it is particularly well placed to benefit from this trend towards premiumisation.”
Pets at Home has also stepped up efforts to tap into internet retailing over recent years in an attempt to transform itself into an omnichannel player. The range of products it offers online grew by 800, to 11,600 SKUs. With the share of UK pet care value sales accounted for by internet retailing doubling to 6%, a strong presence in this channel is likely to be crucial to the retailer’s long-term growth prospects.
