India’s homegrown footwear major VKC has once again taken a bold step forward—this time, not just in retail expansion but in redefining the very value of footwear in India. With the launch of its 17th ‘My VKC’ store in Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu, VKC has unveiled what could be a first in Indian retail: footwear with resale value.
India’s First Footwear with a Price Tag Even After Use
The headline feature of the new store is the introduction of Go Planet-D by Debongo, part of VKC’s portfolio of “power brands.” Positioned as the world’s first 100% sustainable and circular footwear brand, Go Planet-D is also the first Indian footwear brand that can be resold—an unprecedented idea in the Indian mass market. For the first time, used footwear will carry a buy-back value, creating a new economic and environmental proposition for consumers.
Retail Expansion Rooted in Accessibility
The new store in Rajapalayam was inaugurated by franchisee Mr. Kannan and family and marks VKC’s growing focus on Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural markets. The company’s retail footprint is spreading fast through exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) under formats such as ‘My VKC’ and ‘Only VKC’. This strategy aligns with VKC’s mission to bring contemporary global fashion to the heartlands of India at affordable prices.
The Rajapalayam store will offer the entire VKC portfolio, including:
- VKC Pride
- VKC Debon
- GoodSpot
- Eezy
- Ja.May.Ka
- Debongo, including Go Planet-D
All brands are curated to cater to men, women, and children across age groups—emphasizing VKC’s inclusive approach to style, comfort, and pricing.
Bookings Begin May 2025
The buzz around Go Planet-D isn’t limited to branding alone. Bookings for the sustainable footwear line will begin across all My VKC stores starting May 2025. Customers simply need to share their foot sizes and delivery address at any VKC outlet. The shoes will be made using circular design and manufacturing principles, enabling them to be reused or resold within the same product ecosystem.
A Moment of Pride
“This is not just a product innovation—it’s a statement,” a VKC spokesperson said. “An Indian brand rising up to be the world’s first 100% sustainable and circular footwear brand showcases the resurgence of a New India in the global perspective.”
In a January 2025 interview with Indiaretailing.com, VKC Managing Director VKC Razak spoke passionately about the company’s ambition:
“We want to be known not just for affordable fashion, but for making global innovations accessible to India’s remotest markets.”
That sentiment echoes through the company’s current expansion and product innovation strategies—where quality, accessibility, and sustainability are not at odds but deeply intertwined.
Powering Ahead with Purpose
With India’s young consumers increasingly aware of environmental impact, VKC’s bold bet on circular fashion and value-based consumption could well set the tone for the future of mass-market retail in India.
By introducing the country’s first resellable footwear, VKC is not just selling shoes—it’s offering a vision. One where Indian brands lead with both purpose and profit, reach and responsibility, fashion and future-readiness.
