Bata India tops 2,000 stores, targets 3,000 via franchise push into Tier III/IV towns
Now India's largest footwear retailer, Bata plans franchise-led growth to 3,000 stores while scaling Zero-Based Merchandising (900 ZBM stores by 2026) and lifting digital/omnichannel to 20-25% of business.
Bata India crossed 2,000 stores, becoming India's largest footwear retailer. It plans to reach 3,000 stores via franchise-led growth in Tier III/IV towns, while scaling Zero-Based Merchandising and expanding digital/omnichannel to 20-25% of business.
Why this matters
Follows Bata India's leadership reset, with ex-Nike retail head Sanjay Rao named CEO and the stock rising 17%. The franchise-led push to 3,000 stores signals aggressive small-town expansion under new management.
Store-opening activity is steady, with 1,079 signals recorded in the last 90 days.