Building a Pet Empire: The Pet Corner Story

Pet ownership in the UAE has transformed dramatically over the past two decades, with pets becoming integral family members rather than just animals. Leading this evolution is Pet Corner, a family-run business that began with a single store and now boasts 21 outlets across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Fujairah. With a reputation for being more than just a pet store, Pet Corner has created an entire ecosystem of services and products designed to cater to every aspect of pet care.

We sat down with Sidarth Mahindra, Chief Pet Officer (CPO), and Gaurav Mahindra, The REAL BIG G (Founder), to uncover their growth story and understand how Pet Corner is shaping the pet industry in the UAE.

A Vision Beyond Retail

Gaurav Mahindra opened the conversation with a glimpse into their philosophy, “The experience of owning a pet today revolves around humanizing the whole journey. Pets are no longer animals; they are integral parts of our homes.”

Pet Corner reflects this sentiment through a diverse range of offerings. Beyond traditional retail, they have innovated with mobile retail vans, ensuring accessibility for remote areas like Khawaneej. These vans serve as fully equipped stores, providing convenience for customers lacking nearby retail options.

Omnichannel Excellence
The brand has embraced an omnichannel approach, blending physical and digital experiences. Customers can explore 3D virtual stores, shop for over 10,000 pet products online, and access services such as grooming, aquarium maintenance, pet relocation, and even veterinary care.

“Our focus is on providing convenience and a comprehensive pet care experience. For example, we operate grooming vans that visit homes, offering pet grooming services at customers’ doorsteps,” Sidarth explained.

Additionally, the brand operates two veterinary clinics in Barsha and Town Square, with plans to extend hours and services to meet growing demand.

Driving Community Engagement

Pet Corner’s journey has always been about fostering connections. Gaurav elaborated, “We’ve never focused on eyeballs; we’ve focused on relationships. It’s about the emotional bond people have with our brand.”

Their community-focused strategy is evident in their CSR initiatives, partnerships with schools to introduce children to pet ownership, and collaborations with platforms like Talabat and InstaShop. They even launched an in-house pet food brand, Smudges, further solidifying their position as industry leaders.

Innovation at Scale

From luxury pet accessories to eco-friendly practices like biodegradable bags, Pet Corner consistently sets itself apart. They are not just retailers; they are pioneers, with their B2B ventures, Value Pets and Alimo Nutrition, extending their influence beyond the UAE to India and Africa.

Their achievements speak volumes:

• Over one million pets groomed since inception.
• Importing products from 40+ countries.
• Six warehouses with a combined space of over 60,000 sq. ft.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Despite their success, Sidarth acknowledges challenges like inflation and shifting consumer priorities.

“Consumers are looking for value. Bundling, discounts, and deals have become essential in maintaining customer loyalty during economic uncertainties,” he said. Pet Corner’s ability to adapt, innovate, and maintain customer trust has positioned it as a trailblazer in an industry forecasted to grow 500% by 2025.

Looking Ahead
As Pet Corner expands into Fujairah with its 21st store and eyes further growth across the region, Gaurav shared a candid reflection, “We’ve accomplished a lot since 2005, but we’ve always stayed under the radar. It’s time for us to showcase our journey, not for recognition alone but to inspire others.”

With their unique mix of innovation, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to quality, Pet Corner isn’t just a pet store chain; it’s a movement redefining pet care in the UAE. The brand is all set to touch the 30-store mark within 2025 and grow its B2B and B2C base with equal prowess to create a strong ecosystem for the pet category.