Pets at Home's underlying profit pre-tax profit fell for the first half of the year.

The retailer, which has stores in Gloucester, Cirencester and Cheltenham, saw profits down 19.3% to £47.8m due to investments in a new distribution centre and a rebrand, as reported by Retail Gazette.

Sales were up 6.5% to £774.2m for the 28 weeks period to October 12, with like-for-like sales increasing by 6.2%.

Retail like-for-likes are up around 4% for the start of the third quarter, with Christmas just around the corner.

Pets at Home said it has made significant progress in its digital offering and has increased its vet capacity.

It has maintained its profit guidance for the year and said it is confident it can build the 'world's best pet care platform'.