Bata India is banking on product innovation, retail experience, digital acceleration and operational efficiency to drive its next phase of sustainable and profitable growth, the company said at its 93rd Annual General Meeting. The footwear major said its transformation is focused on becoming more agile and consumer-centric, with greater emphasis on contemporary styling, comfort, value and convenience. Bata operates more than 2,000 brand outlets and 775-plus franchise stores, while over 1,000 stores are omnichannel-enabled and 70% offer hyperlocal delivery.
The company said its Zero Base Merchandising initiative is operational across more than 800 stores and is targeting over 900 stores by the end of 2026. The programme uses local demand signals to improve assortments, availability and store navigation. Bata India has also improved in-store availability by 8%, while inventory freshness has risen to around 90%. Kolkata remains an important market for Bata India, given the city’s long-standing association with the brand and its large, diverse consumer base. The company’s focus on sharper assortments, contemporary products, omnichannel services and improved store experience could help it strengthen its position among increasingly style- and comfort-conscious consumers in the eastern market.
Chairman Ashwani Windlass said the company was proceeding with “cautious optimism” as execution gathers momentum. Bata India has approved a final dividend of 180% and said its CSR initiatives benefited more than 9,200 students during the year.