Bata India is one of the most popular retailers and manufacturer of footwear in India. It comes under the Bata Shoe Organization that handles global operations of Bata products. A wide variety of slippers and shoes makes it popular among the masses.
In a recent discussion, Sandeep Kataria, Global CEO of Bata Shoe Organisation, revealed that the company is planning to enter in training and fitness apparel area.
Why Bata Entering in Fitness and Training Clothing Market?
Work From Home(WFH) has become a very common trend worldwide. The dressing style is also changed due to WFH. Companies like Bata is trying to encash this alternative. Bata has started testing its own clothing range. The company is initially focusing on training and fitness clothing. It will launch these products under the Power brand.
Pandemic has made people more fitness conscious. The company already has a bit of experience from Latin America related to fitness apparel. Bata’s Bubble Gummer Brand also has few accessories. The company is also planning to bring those items to the market.
Bata exists in more than 70 countries around the globe. Sandeep Kataria recently became the global CEO of Bata. Since a new CEO is not appointed for India operations, he is looking for local operations as well.
Kataria has performed well in his 3-4 years tenure. The company had revenue of Around Rs 3053 crore for FY19-20.
About Bata Global Operations and Pandemic Initiatives
Bata is one of those rare companies that have whole Supply Chain Management in its own hand. Bata achieved users’ quality trust through its Control over factories to retail stores.
It provides snow boots in some parts of India, whereas sandals in other parts. This kind of diversity and complexity prepared Bata for global operations. It operates in five main regions-India, Latin America, Africa, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.
When asked about the maximum revenue region, Kataria said that all business regions contribute equally. For global operations, the company is not thinking about any short-term or medium-term goals due to pandemic. Right now, Bata focuses mainly on the safety and security of the employees. Once things are on track, then the company will look to get the old momentum back.
Global investment and acquiring the right talent will be the main focus of Bata globally. The company is proud of its innovative initiatives like Whatsapp call based ordering and store on the wheel. These initiatives helped the communities in the pandemic time. Bata is also planning to focus more on casual wear.
“Yes. As we come out of the pandemic some amount of work from home will stay and there will be a lasting impact of comfort. We’re seeing people are preferring a more casualization of their footwear. As social occasions start, we can see the dress coming back. But comfort and casualization will be the driving trends. The good news is that at Bata comfort has always been one of the pillars of our equity and brand.” Bata Global CEO Kataria said.
The company is focusing on the recycling concept as well. Bata factories are making soles of shoes from recycled tyres. Other than recycling, Bata factories are zero effluent.
