Bata to add 500 more stores in next 5 years on franchise model

Footwear major Bata India on Thursday said it will strengthen its presence in the domestic market by adding 500 stores in next five years, focusing mainly on smaller markets.

The company has identified tier II, III and IV cities where it has plans to broaden its sales network through the franchise model, Bata India said in a statement.

Bata has already identified 180 such markets in smaller cities pan-India, where the company is seeking franchise partners to expand its presence beyond metro cities.

"The company is betting big on franchising and already has over 150 franchise stores across the country. Bata plans to open 500 stores in the next 5 years," the statement added.

According to the latest annual report, Bata India has pan-India retail presence with 1,415 stores across cities with 3.07 mn sq ft of retail space.

Over the last two years, Bata has increased presence in smaller towns and reinvigorated its portfolio to offer more contemporary, fashion and casual styles for the younger generation.

"India is one of the most important market for Bata globally and we aim to make Bata accessible to the fashion forward customers in tier II-IV smaller cities via the franchise stores," said Bata India CEO Sandeep Kataria.

He further said:"We have seen strong demand for the new products, which is driven by multiple campaigns featuring celebrities from Bollywood and cricket world."