On-the-go Pet Care

Heads Up for Tails opened its first airport store recently and is planning to open several more. Here's why the brand is so bullish about transit retail

- Sandeep Kumar

Gurugram-based pet care brand Heads Up for Tails (HUFT) has made a significant leap into transit retail by launching its 100th store at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. The milestone comes as HUFT records impressive financial performance, achieving a revenue of ₹56 crore in the first quarter of this fiscal year (FY), with ₹24 crore generated from its pet food segment alone. Including its treat and edible portfolio, the total revenue for Q1 stands at ₹33.5 crore. Expanding nearly 2.5 times faster than the market in the last financial year, HUFT continues to lead the pet care industry's growth in India.

Why Transit Retail?

Rashi Narang, Founder and Creative Director, Heads Up for Tails understands that unlike traditional stores, transit retail offers a unique and dynamic experience. Hence, the airport outlet focusses on creating an inviting atmosphere where travelers can easily find what they need, whether it is a toy, accessories, treats and more.

"Airports and metro stations offer more than just a means of getting from one place to another-they are bustling hubs filled with people looking for thoughtful ways to enhance their journeys. Recognising this, HUFT entered the transit retail space with a clear goal: To make it easy for travellers to pick up high-quality pet products, even while on the move," explains Narang.

Challenges

Securing prime retail spaces at airports is an immense challenge for any brand, given the high competition and demand for these coveted locations. For HUFT, the journey into transit retail was not without its hurdles. Gaining a foothold in these prime areas required navigating intense competition, limited availability, and the high costs associated with airport retail.