Founded in 2005 by Hari Krishan Aggarwal, Campus Activewear set out with a clear vision: to democratise stylish, quality-driven footwear for India’s youth. At a time when global sneaker culture was gaining traction, India lacked homegrown options that combined global design appeal with local affordability. Campus was launched to address this gap—and in less than two decades, the brand has grown into one of the country’s most recognised names in the sports and athleisure footwear segment.
Growth Story
Between 2011 and 2021, Campus grew its revenue tenfold—from Rs 100 crore to over Rs 1,000 crore—on the back of product innovation, strategic retail expansion, and the launch of its e-commerce platform. Manufacturing capabilities were ramped up with large-scale units in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Ganaur.
The brand also expanded its market presence through a mix of offline and online channels, supported by a strong marketing push including the onboarding of Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan. Today, Campus operates across 650+ cities with 296 exclusive brand outlets, over 1,300 large-format retail counters, and more than 23,000 geo-tagged multi-branded stores.
The brand also has a strong digital presence through its own D2C platform and all major e-commerce marketplaces. In FY24 alone, over 7 million pairs were sold online. In 2022, Campus made its stock market debut and currently holds a 17% market share in India’s branded sports and athleisure footwear segment, serving more than 85% of the total addressable market.
Product Portfolio & Innovation
Campus offers a diverse product range for men, women, and kids, including running, walking, athleisure, casual, and lifestyle footwear. Product innovation is a key driver, with technology-first designs such as NitroFly and Air Capsule Pro delivering high-performance cushioning at accessible prices.
Limited-edition releases and culturally inspired capsules such as the Truck Art Series, Doped on Denim, and superhero-themed collections cater to trend-conscious Gen Z consumers.
In FY24 alone, Campus launched over 300 new designs, taking the active style count to more than 3,000. The women’s category, in particular, is witnessing strong traction, with sneakers that merge function with expressive design becoming increasingly popular.
Speed-to-Market Edge
A key differentiator for Campus is its ability to quickly translate trends into products. With a fully integrated in-house manufacturing ecosystem, the brand can take a product from concept to retail shelves in as little as 60–90 days. This speed-to-market capability allows Campus to stay ahead of consumer trends and retain freshness across its collections.
Omnichannel Presence
Campus has built a robust omnichannel ecosystem that blends access, ease, and experience.
- Offline: The brand operates through a mix of exclusive brand outlets, large format store counters, and a widespread retail network supported by 350+ distributor partners.
- Digital platforms: Both D2C and marketplace are engineered for personalisation, seamless fulfilment, and exclusive launches. Exclusive Brand Outlets also serve as brand experience centres, offering insights into consumer behaviour and premiumisation trends, while online platforms deliver curated product journeys through storytelling and performance marketing.
“We view every customer interaction not just as a transaction, but as an opportunity to build connections. From awareness and discovery to purchase and after-sales, we ensure that each touchpoint is thoughtfully crafted. This approach has helped us build loyalty across diverse demographics, turning first-time buyers into long-term advocates,” says Nikhil Aggarwal, Whole Time Director & CEO, Campus Activewear.
Marketing Strategy
The brand’s marketing strategy is anchored in cultural relevance and emotional connection. Campaigns like #MoveYourWay highlight individuality and self-expression, aligning with youth sensibilities. Campus has also invested in storytelling-driven promotions around its capsules, supported by influencer marketing, SEO, and digital advertising to boost engagement and reach.
Brand ambassadors like Vicky Kaushal, Sonam Bajwa, and Vikrant Massey further strengthen the brand’s youth connect.
Sustainability Initiatives
Campus has been strengthening its ESG framework by embedding sustainability across operations. The Ganaur facility, for example, is powered by a solar plant, while wet scrubber units help treat VOC emissions from EVA machines. Inverter-based air conditioners and LED lighting improve energy eǼ ciency. The brand follows strict environmental protocols as per CPCB guidelines and adheres to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) norms through responsible waste collection and disposal practices.
Compliance & Certification
Campus is the first Indian footwear brand to be BIS-certified under QCO: IS 15844 Part I. This reinforces its commitment to quality and aligns with broader efforts by the government to formalise the footwear industry. The certification is viewed by the company as a milestone toward elevating consumer trust and benchmarking Indian brands against global standards.
Future Outlook
The Indian retail sector, especially in fashion and footwear, is undergoing a transformative shift driven by evolving consumer behaviour, rising digital fluency, and a growing emphasis on self-expression.
“Athleisure has become a mainstream lifestyle choice, with consumers demanding versatile, stylish, and comfort-first footwear that suits their dynamic routines. Simultaneously, Tier II and III cities are emerging as powerful consumption hubs, reflecting aspirational growth. A key future driver is the rapid rise of women’s footwear, with young women seeking products that reflect their individuality and pace of life. As the market evolves, brands like Campus that are agile, culturally attuned, and lifestyle-focused are poised to lead the next wave of growth,” said Aggarwal.
Campus Activewear has carved a unique position in India’s footwear landscape by focusing on accessibility, agility, and youth-centric design. With its blend of technology, scale, and culturally tuned marketing, the brand continues to evolve as a leading force in India’s athleisure revolution.
