Jollyes today reported half year record sales and said it was on course to hit significant milestones over the coming 18 months.

The retailer said that in 2023 it expects to see turnover hit £100 million, its workforce pass the 1,000 mark and even has its sights set on opening its 100th store within 18 months.

Jollyes reported sales in the half-year to November 27 increased by 23% to £53.2 million.

In the year to May 29, 2022, the company announced annual sales of £87m, which the retailer said puts it on track to reach £100m turnover in January 2023.

Jollyes said the increase in turnover has been through a mix of higher sales at existing stores, new openings and acquisitions, and rising demand at its digital platform offering home delivery and click and collect services.

The retailer has opened nine stores in 2022. In July, it acquired Penparc, adding five stores in the Midlands, taking the UK total to 84.

Six more stores are scheduled to open by May 2023 and Jollyes expects to open its 100th store by early 2024.

Richard Cotter, executive chairman of Jollyes, said: “While there are signs that the pandemic pet ownership peak has passed and sector growth is returning to normality, it’s very encouraging to see our sales continue to increase significantly ahead of the market through a mixture of organic growth and expansion through new stores and acquisitions.

“The half year performance show that our approach of being a national group with a local approach is what customers want. We’re in a strong position to achieve our ambitious growth plans and we have significant opportunities to bring our unique offer to more communities across the UK.”

Jollyes chief executive officer Joe Wykes, added: “A key pillar of our growth this year has been our commitment to be the UK’s best value pet superstore – and because we know that’s going to be vital to our customers in 2023, we’re committed to bringing Jollyes value to more places right across the UK.”