Pickyourtrail Expands Retail Footprint with Plans for 50 New Stores in Next 2 Years.

Travel-tech startup Pickyourtrail has announced plans to strengthen its offline presence by opening more than 50 stores across India within the next 12 to 18 months. According to Co-Founder Hari Ganapathy, the company expects offline channels to contribute up to one-third of its overall revenue.

Currently, Pickyourtrail operates stores in Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Jaipur, and it plans to extend its footprint to cities like Vizag, Pune, Kochi, Amritsar, Indore, and Bhopal. The expansion is driven by increasing demand from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which Ganapathy attributes to rising incomes, a more affluent population, and better connectivity. "Airports in cities like Patna, Kochi, and Coimbatore are seeing significant improvements in connectivity," he noted.

The startup, initially focused on digital growth, is shifting towards retail to tap into markets with disposable income and proximity to airport hubs. “International trips are usually once or twice-a-year experiences that require trust. Physical stores give us the chance to build that trust with customers,” Ganapathy explained.

Pickyourtrail is also eyeing international growth, with plans to serve travelers from the US, UK, and Australia. The company already operates a store in Dubai, and global inquiries account for 5% of its overall business. Ganapathy emphasized that expanding into English-speaking markets is a key focus for the future.

The Chennai-based startup has previously raised funds from investors including Cred CEO Kunal Shah and Adit Parekh. While Pickyourtrail is exploring the idea of an IPO in the future, Ganapathy stated that the current focus is on delivering exceptional travel experiences and expanding in a customer-centric manner.

HBL