Bata India has crossed 2,000 retail stores nationwide, cementing its position as the country’s largest footwear retail network, the company announced Monday. The milestone marks a new phase of expansion for the footwear major, which is now targeting 3,000 stores in the coming years, with growth increasingly driven by franchise partnerships in smaller towns and cities.
India remains Bata’s largest market globally, both in terms of sales and manufacturing. The country accounts for roughly a quarter of the company’s global revenue and around 50 million pairs of shoes sold annually through a mix of company-owned stores, franchise outlets, multi-brand retailers and online channels.
The next leg of growth will lean heavily on a franchise-led model aimed at Tier III and Tier IV markets, as the company looks to tap into demand from emerging consumption centres beyond India’s major cities.
Badri Beriwal, Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer, Bata India said, “Crossing 2,000 stores is a significant milestone for Bata India and reflects the trust generations of consumers have placed in the brand. Our focus now is on building a future-ready organisation driven by retail scale, omnichannel capabilities and manufacturing strength. As Bata’s most strategic market globally, India continues to offer significant headroom for growth, particularly across emerging towns and cities. Going forward, we will continue to expand accessibility through a balanced mix of company-owned and franchise-led stores while strengthening our digital and omnichannel capabilities.”
Digital integration is a key part of that strategy. Nearly 90% of Bata’s stores now double as hyperlocal fulfilment hubs, and the company expects online channels to account for 20-25% of its overall business in the coming years, as it steps up investment in app-based engagement and omnichannel retail aimed at younger shoppers.
The company is also scaling up its Zero-Based Merchandising (ZBM) format, a retail approach designed to improve inventory management and the in-store shopping experience. The format is currently live in around 775 stores and is expected to expand to nearly 900 by the end of 2026.
With the expanded footprint, growing franchise network and deeper digital push, Bata India said it is positioning itself for its next phase of growth.
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