Bata takes long strides

Expanded Impression

• Bata boasts of a robust presence in India. The network spreads over 1850 stores, including over 500 franchised stores, about 125 Hush Puppies stores and 650 plus sneaker studios.
• The footwear major has expanded its distribution network across 1500 towns while technology in-store ability raised it to 70%.
• After the widespread presence of stores, Bata management is now focussed on increasing availability of its top six selling products like Floatz brand.
• Every campaign is designed to give a new identity to the brand. The main aim behind Bata’s new marketing campaign is to increase its customer base in all the age groups.
• The company has reported a number of Rs 3478.4 crore in the total sales of year 2023-24.

It all started with shoes from canvas!

• The 126-yearold Bata is family-owned business established in Czechoslovakia by tony Bata and his siblings.
• Under financial duress, Tomas started sewing shoes from canvas as substitute of leather and the light-weight footwear became an instant hit with the locals.
• Outbreak of World War 1 turned into a boon for Tomas Bata. The economy went into a slump and Bata responded by slashing its footwear prices by halves. This not only resulted in larger sales volumes, but it took the brand for the first time to other countries.
• In 1930, Bata set up first production unit in Kolkata. Interesting to know that it was at this factory first pair of tennis shoes were manufactured.
• From here there was no looking back, Bata is the second-largest producer and consumer of shoes in the world.
• Bata is increasing its number of stores in the country to hit a large number of audiences. Bata is also targeting the gen z generation to enter into the massive sneaker market.

Editor’s Note

Bata is known to run offbeat advertisements and campaigns. The unforgettable tagline of Bata ‘Beware of Tetanu, even a small injury could be dangerous, so wear a show’ swept the consumer mind. There might be somebody in India who did not go to school with Bata shoes!