Bata India reports 46% growth in PBT for Q2 - 2010

Bata India Limited, India’s leading footwear retailer and manufacturer, today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010.  The Company’s PBT grew by an impressive 46% at Rs. 3,968.7 lacs as against Rs. 2,718.4 lacs in the same period last year. The Net Sales of the Company grew by 13.4% at Rs. 35,006.7 lacs as against Rs. 30,862.6 lacs in the same period last year.

For the half year period ending 30th June 2010, the Company’s PBT grew by an impressive 40% at Rs. 6,072.4 lacs as against Rs. 4,341.9 lacs in the same period last year. The Net Sales of the Company grew by 12.5% at Rs. 60,922.1 lacs as against Rs.54,165.8 lacs in the same period last year.

Announcing the results, Mr. Marcelo Villagran, Managing Director, Bata India Limited said, “We have delivered our best ever results this quarter with the highest growth in our bottom line. This increased profitability is the result of improved sales and margin from our shoe line and continued growth from both of our retail and non retail businesses through rapid expansion, higher response to our collections, better customer service and growth in our customer base. We will continue to grow and focus on providing the Indian consumer with the best in footwear.”

Bata India continued to expand through opening new international format shoe stores across several cities in India. It also invested in expanding the footprint of the Hush Puppies chain of exclusive stores targeting premium customers and is today present in all metros. The chain also reached out to newer customers through shop in shops in partnership with major department store chains.

Bata continued to focus on continuous improvement of its shoe designs for the youth and women segments. Newer designs introduced during this quarter under its international brands of Marie Claire, North Star & Weinbrenner were much appreciated by such customers. The company’s spring summer collection and monsoon collection also received great response from the customers. Recent introduction of a sporty range of school shoes met with huge success.

During the quarter, Bata India was chosen by consumers as India’s Most Preferred Exclusive Retailer and received this award under the prestigious CNBC AWAAZ Consumer Awards 2010.

Accepting the Award, Mr. Villagran said, “We are delighted to receive this Award as India’s most preferred Exclusive Retail Outlet. This reconfirms our commitment to providing the best retail experience to our consumers in India. Our efforts in retail expansion, improving customer experience, better merchandise selection have been rewarded with the trust of the consumers.”

About Bata India:
Bata has been holding a unique place in the hearts of Indians for more than 75 years. Probably the only footwear brand that offers footwear and accessories for the entire family, Bata has redefined the modern footwear industry in India. It has established a leadership position in the industry and is the most trusted name in branded footwear. 

Bata India is the largest footwear retailer in India, enjoying a large market share in the organized sector. It retails through over 1200 Bata Shoe Stores located in over 400 cities across India.

For more information on Bata India, please visit www.bata.in