Bata India is stepping up its retail overhaul with plans to expand its zero based merchandising store network to 800 outlets by the end of 2026, as the footwear major sharpens its focus on technology, franchising and deeper penetration into smaller towns.
The company has already rolled out the zero based merchandising model across 400 stores, a fourfold increase from about 100 outlets a year ago. The approach moves away from uniform, centrally driven assortments and instead builds store-level ranges based on local demand patterns, pricing preferences and buying behaviour. According to Bata India’s leadership, this model is now central to how the company designs its retail network.
Expansion will be driven largely through franchising. Bata’s franchise base has grown from around 100 stores five years ago to nearly 700 today, while company-owned outlets stand at about 1,300. The retailer plans to accelerate store additions, with franchise stores expected to outnumber company-owned locations within the next few years. While metros and tier one cities will continue to house larger, company-run stores with premium offerings, tier two and tier three markets will see faster franchise-led growth focused on family purchases and value-led assortments.
Technology is playing a key role in this shift. Bata has consolidated more than 20 internal applications into a single platform, enabling better control over inventory, staff management, customer feedback and visual merchandising. Store expansion decisions are now backed by data tools that assess trade potential, store size and revenue estimates before a location is finalised.
The company is also scaling its omnichannel capabilities. More than 400 stores are expected to support omnichannel fulfilment by the first quarter of 2026, up from about 100 last year. Around 40 percent of outlets currently offer hyperlocal delivery, with pilots underway for faster delivery options through partnerships.
A recent cut in GST on footwear priced below Rs 2,500 has added momentum. Bata passed on the benefit early, aiming to strengthen its value positioning. Industry data shows Bata’s market share rose from 4.3 percent in 2020 to 4.8 percent in 2024, and the company believes its store expansion and technology-led strategy will help it gain further ground in organised retail.
