Bata India Aims to Capture Affordable Footwear Market

Bata India’s Managing Director, Gunjan Shah, has announced the brand's plans to cater to a new customer segment, addressing the growing demand for budget-friendly footwear. Post-Covid economic shifts and rising inflation have reshaped consumer preferences, with affordability and accessibility becoming key factors for shoppers, Shah revealed in a recent statement.

To meet this demand, Bata has ventured into the quick commerce space through a partnership with Zepto, offering a 10-minute delivery option. This collaboration aims to boost sales in the low-price segment, drawing on the success seen in the FMCG industry’s rapid delivery model. Shah described the initiative as an “experiment,” noting there are no specific sales targets for this partnership yet. He added that stock availability for quick commerce services in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore will be ensured in the coming weeks.

While premium footwear spending has slowed, Bata has observed a rising demand for athleisure shoes and leather footwear, particularly during the festive and wedding seasons. These trends have contributed to the growth of the footwear industry, and Shah remains optimistic about sustained momentum.

Despite the push into quick commerce, Bata’s offline presence remains a priority. Shah emphasized that customers value both online and offline channels, highlighting their complementary roles. With the Covid-related restrictions now eased, consumer activity in offline stores has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

In addition to expanding its affordable footwear offerings, Bata has launched a new artisanal leather collection, endorsed by actor Kartik Aaryan. The collection has received positive feedback from customers, and Bata expects strong sales during the upcoming wedding season.

With these strategic initiatives, including a focus on quality products at competitive prices, Bata aims to adapt to the evolving market dynamics and drive growth in both traditional and emerging segments.