Bata India unveils a comprehensive overhaul of its business model, emphasising product innovation, retail transformation, and digital expansion to combat a competitive footwear market and meet evolving consumer demands.
Bata India is betting on a broad reset of its business model, combining sharper product design, a more flexible store network and faster digital execution as it looks to strengthen growth in a crowded footwear market.
At its 93rd annual general meeting, the company said it is focusing on five areas: product innovation, retail transformation, digital expansion, operational efficiency and portfolio modernisation. The strategy is aimed at meeting changing consumer demand for comfort, style, value and convenience, while preserving the brand’s long-standing position in India’s footwear sector.
Retail remains central to that plan. Bata India said it now has more than 2,000 brand outlets, supported by over 775 franchise stores, multi-brand distribution, direct-to-consumer channels, online marketplaces and omnichannel services. More than 1,000 stores have been enabled for omnichannel operations, and 70% of outlets now support hyperlocal delivery.
A key plank of the overhaul is Zero Base Merchandising, a store-level assortment model that tailors stock to local demand. The company said the programme is active in more than 800 stores and is set to reach more than 900 by the end of 2026. Bata said the approach is intended to improve product availability, simplify layouts and make stores more relevant to local shoppers.
The company also said it has made progress on manufacturing, sourcing and supply-chain performance. In-store product availability improved by 8% over the year, while inventory freshness rose to about 90% from the mid-70% range, helped by regular stock refreshes.
Bata is also leaning on its brand portfolio, including Hush Puppies, Power, Floatz, Comfit and its core Bata line, to reach shoppers who are increasingly influenced by fashion trends and digital channels. The company is emphasising contemporary design, comfort-led products and value pricing as it tries to widen appeal.
Ashwani Windlass, chairman of Bata India, said in a statement that FY2025-26 was “a year of purposeful transformation” and added that the company was strengthening competitiveness, agility and preparedness for sustainable growth. He said the business was facing a complex external environment but was responding with diversified sourcing, tighter inventory control and more agile execution.
Bata also signalled confidence in its finances by approving a final dividend of 180%, in line with its dividend distribution policy. Alongside the business overhaul, the company said its CSR programmes reached more than 9,200 students during the year and were supported by over 7,000 hours of employee volunteering.
The company said its next phase will focus on volume growth, premium products, stronger consumer engagement, omnichannel retail, operational discipline and careful capital allocation.
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