Pets at Home reports that it has already sold a quarter of a million Christmas dog toys and almost 100,000 advent calendars as it gears up for a bumper festive sales season.
Customers have also purchased 20,000 Christmas cat treats from the retailer, and its new luxury £30 Pets at Home Giant Treat Advent Calendar sold out online within three days.
The store chain’s research indicated that owners are willing to spend the same, or even more, on their pets than on other key members of the family.
A survey of 1,000 customers found that a quarter of all responders are planning on spending the same or more on their pets than their children or partner this Christmas, while a third will spend at least the same amount on a pet as their parents, and almost 60% will spend the same or more than on their friends.
Pets at Home chief executive officer Lyssa McGowan said: “Pets play a huge part in our lives, so it’s no surprise that owners want to show their appreciation by treating their pets at Christmas just like other members of the family.
“We have seen demand grow for our Christmas ranges over the years, with advent calendars, Christmas jumpers and stockings all firm favourites. And while there’s something for every pocket with prices starting from a couple of pounds for a treat, we’re also beginning to see a shift into more premium lines like our new Squishmallow and Hasbro toys, which are already proving to be popular choices this year.”
