After a period of strong growth, specialty pet retailers have experienced an exodus of customers. Consumers prefer more affordable offers, which can be found on marketplaces and in large grocery chains. In addition, online platforms offer a wide range of niche and even exotic pet products.
According to fiscal data operator Taxcom, in the first quarter of this year there was an average 5% decline in the number of pet product purchases compared to the same period last year. The most significant drop in demand for pet houses (by 32.4%) and toilet fillers (by 11.7%).
There was also a decrease in sales of dry and wet food (by 5.8% and 4.6% respectively), beds (3.9%), collars (3.6%) and treats for animals (2.1%). This was reported by “Kommersant”.
Analysts “Platform OFD” notes that the market of pet products is stabilizing after rapid growth in previous years. For comparison: a year earlier, sales in retail pet stores increased by 13%.
According to “Taxcom”, the decrease in sales is most noticeable in the offline segment - by 6% in annual terms. At the same time, the average check in offline stores increased by 7%, reaching 1.9 thousand rubles. In the online segment, the growth of the average check was less significant - 3%, which led to an increase in online sales by 3%.
Experts suggest that the growth of the average check with a general decline in offline sales may indicate that consumers are moving to a higher price segment.
A representative of the Zoosaur chain noted that after the departure of foreign premium brands, consumers have found alternatives at lower prices.
Earlier it was written that in some regions of Russia may introduce restrictions on the number of pets that can be kept in one apartment. This practice already exists, for example, in the Novosibirsk region.
It was also reported that a register of pets would appear in Russia.