Bata India Limited, a major player in the Indian footwear market, has announced its financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2024. The company recorded revenue from operations at Rs. 8,371 million, reflecting a positive rise from Rs. 8,191 million in Q2FY24. Despite challenging market conditions, Bata maintained a steady Operating Profit of Rs. 524 million, showcasing its efficient management of operational costs.
The results signal strong strides in Bata’s ongoing transformation journey. Key drivers included investments in product innovation, customer experience enhancements, and an emphasis on premiumization. These efforts are set to position the brand for further growth in the future.
Major Milestones and Strategic Highlights
Bata’s retail footprint continued to expand, with a robust network of 1,955 stores, comprising both company-owned (COCO) and franchise models. The company renovated 48 stores this year, integrating advanced technology and style-focused propositions to elevate the shopping experience. Furthermore, Bata’s portfolio casualization strategy, highlighted by the Sneaker Studio concept, now features in 756 stores, aligning with consumer demand for casual and athleisure styles.
The Net Promoter Score (NPS), a key measure of customer satisfaction, improved to 80. In its brand expansion efforts, Bata launched four Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) for Power and 136 for Hush Puppies, along with 14 kiosks for Floatz.
Continuing its trend of strategic collaborations, Bata introduced limited-edition collections, such as Bata Red Label x Emily in Paris and Hush Puppies x Peanuts. Additionally, in anticipation of the festive season, the brand released the Pujo Glam Collection. On a global scale, Bata’s “Stronger Inside” campaign for Power introduced the Energy Collection, making fitness accessible through affordable pricing.
CEO’s Perspective on Performance
Gunjan Shah, MD and CEO of Bata India, expressed optimism about the company’s performance. “Despite continuing market headwinds and subdued consumption, we saw recovery in our growth trajectory, supported by strategic initiatives. Our premiumization strategy is driving strong growth across channels, and we are witnessing increased contribution from premium products. Our expansion into Tier 3-5 markets through franchise stores, coupled with our solid digital presence, is unlocking new growth opportunities.”
Shah emphasized Bata’s cost efficiency measures, from franchise model expansion to manufacturing operations, as key to maintaining financial stability. He concluded, “We remain focused on navigating near-term challenges while investing in long-term growth. With the upcoming festive season, we expect to see a recovery in consumption, aided by our strong market positioning.”
About Bata India
For nearly a century, Bata India has remained a trusted name in footwear, serving over 250,000 customers daily in 2023. The company has evolved to meet the dynamic needs of Indian consumers and stands as the largest footwear retailer and manufacturer in the country. Bata’s extensive network spans 1,900+ company-owned and franchise stores, supported by numerous multi-brand outlets and a strong digital presence, selling nearly 50 million pairs annually.
Bata India’s commitment to fashion and comfort is evident in its diverse brand portfolio. From Bata Red Label’s trend-driven styles to Bata Comfit’s technology-enhanced comfort, the company caters to a wide range of preferences. Power offers athleisure sneakers and apparel, NorthStar delivers youth-inspired sneakers, and Floatz provides stylish clogs and slip-ons. Bubblegummers ensures fun and comfort for kids, while Hush Puppies continue to define elegance and ease.
Bata’s mission is to democratize global fashion trends and make them accessible to all, blending style with comfort through cutting-edge innovations.
