Beyond economic progress and industrial development, entrepreneurship is one of the most crucial factors in socio-national upliftment. In the business of national brand building, enterprising activities contribute the lion’s share. However, for any entrepreneur, establishing an enterprise and then creating a brand legacy out of it is an uphill task. The fastest way to do it is to become a franchisee of an already established brand.
In the realm of footwear, Bata India Limited is that brand. Most importantly, Bata has now come up with the opportunity of a lifetime for all those aspiring entrepreneurs wishing to make their mark on the global business horizon through the franchisee route.
Abhinav Sharan, the Head – Franchise Business & Retail Central of Excellence, informs, “At Bata, our franchise program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to partner with a legacy brand that has shaped the footwear industry for over nine decades. With over 575 franchise stores across the country and a goal to reach 1,000 stores by 2026, we are focused on expanding into untapped suburban and rural markets while strengthening our presence in urban regions. Our scalable and dynamic franchise model allows partners to become part of a growth story that aligns seamlessly with India’s evolving retail landscape.”
Your Golden Chance of a Lifetime
To join Bata as a franchise partner, adds Abhinav that they are looking for individuals or entities with an entrepreneurial drive, a passion for retail, and a commitment to customer service. Prospective franchisees should have the financial capability to meet the initial investment requirements and access to prime commercial locations, such as malls, markets, or high-footfall areas. “It is equally important that our partners align with Bata’s core values of quality, consistency, and customer-centricity,” mentions Abhinav.
Bata franchisees enjoy numerous benefits that make this partnership a profitable and rewarding venture. It provides comprehensive training and operational support, equipping partners with the skills and tools needed to manage their stores efficiently. Its centralized procurement and supply chain system ensures access to high-quality products at competitive prices, while attractive financial incentives—such as minimal franchise fees, performance-based bonuses, and product discounts—boost profitability. Franchisees also benefit from Bata’s extensive marketing campaigns and established brand reputation, driving customer traffic and ensuring sales growth. Additionally, the brand’s standardized Red 2.0 store design guarantees a consistent and premium shopping experience across locations, reinforcing the trust customers place in the Bata brand.
For those unacquainted, established in 1931, Bata India has been a symbol of trust and quality for Indian consumers for close to a century, serving 250,000 customers every day in 2023. Throughout this journey, Bata has continuously evolved to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its customers to become the largest footwear retailer and manufacturer in the country. Its expansive retail network consists of 1900+ stores (Company Owned and Franchise). Augmented by thousands of Multi multi-brand outlets and a robust omnichannel presence across D2C and marketplaces, Bata India sells close to 50 million pairs annually.
Become Part of a Global Mission
Bata India’s mission is to make global trends and premium fashion accessible to all consumers through its extensive retail network. It is redefining the intersection of fashion and comfort through its various brands –
- Bata Red Label for in-trend global styles,
- Bata Comfit for technology-enabled comfort in daily wear,
- athleisure brand Power for fitness sneakers and apparel,
- NorthStarfor sneakers inspired by global youth trends,
- fashionable range of clogs and slip-ons under Floatz,
- kids brand Bubblegummers has won the trust of parents while inspiring fun and
- Hush Puppies – the global brand that epitomizes comfort and elegance, to name a few.
In its uniqueness, Bata takes immense pride in being a globally recognized brand with a legacy that spans over 90 years in India. Its unique selling proposition lies in its commitment to delivering high-quality, stylish, and affordable footwear that resonates with customers across demographics. “This foundation has enabled us to establish over 575 franchise stores across the country, making us one of the most sought-after franchisors in the retail landscape,” says Abhinav with a smile.
Earn the Distinction
What truly sets the brand apart as a franchisor is the robust support system it offers to its franchise partners. “From comprehensive training programs to centralized procurement and distribution networks, we ensure that every partner is equipped with the tools and knowledge to run their business efficiently,” reveals Abhinav.
They’ve also designed their franchise model to be mutually rewarding. By providing performance-based bonuses, product discounts, and a profit-sharing structure, they ensure that their partners see substantial returns on their investments. This approach has led to a high retention rate among franchisees, with many expanding to multiple stores.
Abhinav adds, “Our brand’s strong reputation, coupled with our strategic focus on expanding into urban, suburban, and rural markets, allows us to stay ahead in the evolving franchise landscape.”
What consistently makes Bata emerge as a preferred franchise choice is its unique blend of legacy, innovation, and unwavering support for its franchise partners. With a rich legacy, Bata is a household name synonymous with quality, comfort, and trust. This brand equity gives its franchise partners a strong competitive edge by allowing them to tap into an established customer base.
Build a Long-Term Brand Relationship
What truly differentiates Bata is its focus on creating a mutually beneficial relationship with its partners. “We offer one of the most comprehensive support systems in the industry—ranging from extensive training programs and operational guidance to centralized procurement, ensuring partners have access to high-quality products at competitive prices,” says Abhinav. “Our marketing and advertising strategies are designed to amplify local franchisee visibility, leveraging Bata’s brand strength to drive footfall.”
Moreover, the franchise model is financially attractive. “With minimal franchise fees, performance-based bonuses, and discounts on inventory, we ensure that our partners enjoy high profitability,” he states.
All these factors combined solidify Bata’s position as a preferred franchise choice over competitors. Joining Bata means partnering with a legacy brand that is deeply invested in your success.
Benchmarking Principled Operations
Bata’s emergence as one of India’s fastest-growing franchisors is also due to its core guiding philosophy. Abhinav says, “Our guiding philosophy has always been rooted in the belief that success is a collaborative journey. At Bata India, we view our franchise model not merely as a business expansion strategy but as a powerful platform for mutual growth and empowerment. The core of our philosophy is creating a symbiotic ecosystem where the aspirations of entrepreneurial individuals align with the objectives and ethos of our brand.”
The proof of this philosophy’s success is evident in numbers – Bata has doubled its franchise count in two years and crossed the 575+ store milestone. “But beyond the numbers, our success is measured by the prosperity we’ve generated for our partners, which is evident from the high return rate of existing partners opening new stores with us,” emphasizes Abhinav.
According to this philosophy, the essence of a successful franchise lies in balancing operational efficiency with meeting the expectations of the franchisees. Bata achieves this by implementing streamlined processes that drive consistency and cost-effectiveness across all operations, ensuring that its franchisees can focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences. “Simultaneously, we maintain open communication and offer strong support in areas like marketing, training, and product selection to help our partners thrive,” he adds. This collaborative approach allows the company to be agile and responsive to local market needs, all while maintaining the high standards that the Bata brand is known for. “Our goal is to create a seamless experience for both our franchisees and their customers, nurturing long-term growth and success,” says Abhinav.
Digital Dynamism
Furthermore, Bata India leverages digitalization to empower its franchise partners with cutting-edge technological solutions that streamline operations and enhance business intelligence. “We have developed ‘Ready Made Cart’, a sophisticated platform that represents a quantum leap in our franchise ecosystem’s technological capabilities,” informs Abhinav. Leveraging advanced AI capabilities, the application provides suggestive ordering recommendations, enabling franchisees to make data-driven inventory decisions, he adds. Partners can now seamlessly check real-time stock availability, place orders with unprecedented ease, and optimize their inventory management through predictive analytics. “This technological intervention reduces operational complexity and empowers our franchise partners to make more informed business choices.”
For Transformative Technovations
In this effort, one of the most transformative initiatives of Bata India has been the Bata Red 2.0 store concept, which represents a pivotal reimagining of its retail experience and demonstrates brand Bata India’s commitment to innovation and brand excellence. Abhinav shares, “81% of our franchise stores are now in Bata Red 2.0 store concept, fundamentally reshaping how customers interact with our brand.” They have carefully redesigned their store layouts, visual merchandising, and customer engagement strategies to create a more immersive and modern shopping experience. The initiative focuses on creating a consistent brand feel across all their stores, ensuring that whether a customer visits a franchise outlet in a town or a metropolitan area, they encounter the same high-quality, contemporary Bata experience.
When it comes to adapting to evolving customer needs and trends, Abhinav absolutely believes it is necessary to align one’s business with the latest technological developments. “It is crucial to staying relevant in today’s fast-paced retail landscape. At Bata India, we recognize that customer needs and preferences are constantly evolving, and technology plays a vital role in enabling us to meet these demands. We’ve embraced various technological advancements, such as integrating digital tools in our Red 2.0 store concept, where customers can explore products through interactive screens and experience an enhanced shopping journey. Our franchise partners are also equipped with advanced systems for inventory management, sales tracking, and customer engagement, ensuring operational efficiency and personalized service. By continuously investing in technology, we ensure that our business remains agile, customer-centric, and positioned for future growth.”
Teaming to Terminate the Troubles
Though as a leader in India’s rapidly expanding franchise sector, Bata India has encountered its fair share of challenges. One instance that stands out was during the pandemic when retail footfall was dramatically reduced. However, says Abhinav proudly that their team’s resilience and ingenuity allowed them to navigate these challenges effectively. They quickly pivoted to strengthen their e-commerce presence, enhancing the online shopping experience for their customers. At the same time, they provided their franchisees with digital tools and support to help them manage their operations remotely and continue serving their local communities.
Establish Yourself
As an established franchise leader, Abhinav’s advice to budding entrepreneurs looking to own a franchise business is to approach it with both passion and preparation. First and foremost, choose a brand that aligns with your values and resonates with your target audience. It’s equally important to understand the business model thoroughly—be clear about the operational framework, marketing strategies, and support systems offered by the franchisor. Success in franchising requires a balance of entrepreneurial spirit and adherence to the proven processes of the brand. Additionally, staying adaptable to market trends and maintaining strong customer relationships is key to thriving in this dynamic industry. Lastly, view your relationship with the franchisor as a partnership—actively collaborate, communicate, and innovate to drive mutual growth.
As an Entrepreneurial Icon
Finally, Abhinav divulges an ambitious yet grounded vision of Bata India: “We aim to continue setting industry benchmarks in franchising, demonstrating how a thoughtful, technology-enabled, and partner-centric approach can drive sustainable business growth.” The milestone of their 575th franchise store is not an endpoint but a launching pad for their more expansive aspirations. “Together with our valued partners, we will continue this journey, ensuring that Bata’s quality, style, and entrepreneurial spirit reach every corner of the country,” he concludes.
For more information, please email abhinav.sharan@bata.com or call +918287804235. To explore the world of Bata, please visit www.bata.com.
