Pet Corner, a family-run pet store chain in the UAE, celebrates 20 years of service with the opening of its 20th store in Fujairah. With locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, Pet Corner boasts 20 well-stocked points of sale offering pet food and accessories for birds, cats, dogs, fish, and reptiles. The chain also operates the largest e-commerce platform in the region, featuring over 10,000 pet products and services including in-store and mobile pet grooming, aquarium tank maintenance, pet taxi, relocation, pet sitting, pet insurance, pharmacy, and veterinary care.
The UAE’s pet industry is currently valued at $300 million and is projected to grow by 500% by 2025. The pandemic saw a 30% rise in pet ownership, prompting local players to remain optimistic. As the pet industry reaches a pivotal growth stage, consumers are reacting to inflation in pet products similarly to other sectors, focusing on sales, discounts, bargains, and bundling to maximize their spending. Despite their love for their pets, owners are mindful of economic concerns, inflation, and job stability.
Sidarth Mahindra, Chief Pet Officer (CPO), noted, “The humanization trend continues to drive the demand for higher-quality pet food. Pet owners are increasingly prioritizing nutrition as they learn more about caring for their pets. We recognize the rising costs of pet ownership and the issue of pet abandonment, so our primary goal is to foster a sustainable environment for pet care, offering the best value in premium pet food and unique products and services. Our sustainable pet food brand, featuring the mascot “Smudges,” is made from high-quality, nutrient-rich ingredients, free from artificial additives, fillers, preservatives, pork, and lard, positively impacting pets’ health.”
Gaurav Mahindra, founder of The Real Big G, reflected on the journey from a single store in Dubai Investment Park in 2004 to their current presence in four of the seven Emirates. The plan is to expand into Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain, and establish shop-in-shop concepts with major retailers and supermarkets, similar to their pop-up in Mall of the Emirates.
With an increasing number of outlets, distribution channels, products, and services, and over two decades of retail experience, Pet Corner aims to expand its footprint through franchising across the GCC, India, and Africa. The expansion will follow clearly defined Standard Operating Procedures and an initial investment of $50,000, with centralized purchasing. The company is confident in its ability to attract more people to the pet industry.
As renowned creators and disruptors of the pet industry for 20 years, Pet Corner will continue to host various activities in the UAE, such as adoption drives in partnership with local shelters, pet care workshops led by veterinary experts, community clean-up days, and a social media photo challenge called “Pawsitive Moments.”
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