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
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.