Pet stores report strongest April sales growth, Barclaycard finds

Pet stores and veterinarians saw the strongest sales growth out of any retail group in the specialist retailer category, according to Barclaycard’s report into consumer spending in April.

Both vets and pet stores posted a 32.4% rise in sales over the period, compared to two years ago.

In comparison, the specialist retailer category only grew by 9.3% overall, suggesting pet products and accessories have become must-buy items for pet owners after lockdown.

Face-to-face non-essential retail reported a decline of 17.4% in April, compared to a sharper 50.5% drop in March.

Furthermore, consumer confidence in the UK economy jumped to 36% last month, from 28% in March.

Raheel Ahmed, Barclaycard’s head of consumer products, said: “The easing of restrictions provided a promising boost to a number of sectors in April, with consumer spending back in growth and confidence in the UK economy at its highest level since before the onset of the pandemic.”