Footwear retailer Bata India has crossed the 2,000-store threshold and is aiming for 3,000 outlets in the coming years.
Future growth will be concentrated on Tier III and IV towns through a franchise-based approach.
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India remains the company’s largest market worldwide and also serves as its principal manufacturing and sourcing base, accounting for nearly 20% of the group’s worldwide revenue.
Across company-run stores, franchise locations, multi-brand outlets and online platforms, Bata India sells approximately 50 million pairs of footwear each year.
The company noted that 90% of its outlets now double as hyperlocal fulfilment points.
Looking ahead, digital channels are projected to account for 20%-25% of total business over the next several years, as the retailer continues to build out app-based engagement and omnichannel capabilities.
Bata India is also broadening its zero-based merchandising (ZBM) format, currently deployed across 775 stores, with plans to extend this to close to 900 locations by the close of 2026.
ZBM is a retail approach that resets product range, displays and inventory from scratch, retaining only items that support sales and margin.
The company stated the format is intended to sharpen merchandising efficiency, strengthen inventory management, and enhance the in-store shopping experience.
Bata India chief strategy and business development officer Badri Beriwal said: “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.”
Separately, Bata India named Sanjay Rao as its incoming managing director and chief executive officer last month.
Rao succeeds Gunjan Shah, who is stepping down after completing a five-year term in the role.
Rao is to take over as CEO from 24 August 2026 while his tenure as managing director begins on 1 October 2026 and runs until 23 August 2031.
