Pets At Home has revealed it is on the hunt for up to 20 sites in London where it plans to open up high street branches to cater for what chief executive Peter Pritchard called a ‘significant step up in pet ownership during the pandemic”.

According to City AM, the retailer saw an 18 per cent increase in revenue to £302 million during Q3 of 2020, grew the membership to its puppy and kitten club by 47.2 per cent, a service offered by the national pet specialist chain that offers discounts and advice to new pet owners.

In Q3, Pets At Home launched two new ‘next-generation stores’ in Camden and Putney, and now have plans to open 20 more similar sites in London as stores become available. They will typically be around 4000 square feet, with products, a groomer and vet on site. The firm is more known for larger 7500 square feet branches on retail parks.

Pritchard said: “There is a lot of doom and gloom in retail… but we see a big opportunity in London for local stores.”

Outlining the business’s expansion plans, he said that in the 12 weeks to 31 December, Pets At Home saw revenue increase 18 per cent to £302 million, with comparable sales growth of 17.6 per cent.

The FTSE 250 company is classified as an essential retailer so has been able to keep branches open during recent lockdowns, and it has seen growth in stores, online and in its vet division.

Pets At Home has maintained its full-year outlook and anticipates underlying pre-tax profit of at least £77 million.

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