Bata aims to add 1k stores in 3 yrs with focus on franchisee model
Times of India | 9 May 2026
Kolkata: Bata India is targeting 3,000 retail outlets within three years, having crossed the 2,000-store milestone in late April — a first for any footwear company in the country, ahead of rivals such as Adidas, Nike, Metro and Khadim's. MD and CEO Gunjan Shah made the announcement while relaunching the company's Grand Arcade store in Kolkata — its oldest retail outlet, which had been closed for four to five months for renovation.
Shah said the store was once Bata's highest-selling outlet in India and expressed confidence it would reclaim that position within five to six months, with revenues expected to grow to Rs 10-11 crore. Bata currently operates 1,300 company-owned and 700 franchisee-owned stores. Of the 25-30 new stores planned across the east in the coming year, around 80% will be franchisee-driven. The company invests Rs 100 crore annually in store infrastructure.
Bengal accounts for 10%-12% of Bata India's national revenue — Rs 400-500 crore — with Kolkata contributing 50% of east business and 6% of national turnover. Chief strategy officer Badri Beriwal said the east remains "one of the most important growth corridors, with Kolkata at the centre." On new products, Shah said the company is introducing a hybrid sneaker-office shoe under Hush Puppies, a new women's collection under Bata brand, and a range called Easy Slide under Power.