Bata India pushes forward affordability initiatives to drive volume-based progress

In an hostile enterprise local weather, footwear main Bata India Ltd. centered on offering reasonably priced merchandise throughout classes to drive progress, it’s MD & CEO stated.

“Amidst headwinds accentuated by fluctuating climate patterns and geopolitical uncertainties, we pushed forward our affordability initiatives throughout classes to drive volume-based progress,” stated Gunjan Shah, MD & CEO, Bata India Ltd.

“We’re inspired by robust resilience in our premium manufacturers like Hush Puppies Comfit and Floatz,” he stated.

The corporate’s Zero Base Merchandising Challenge—aimed toward optimising assortments and enhancing in-store expertise—was scaled as much as 194 shops through the first quarter. 

It additionally launched a number of new collections, together with the Tropical Breeze vary, Energy Simple Slide and Energy Transfer+, alongside the “Ease, Please” marketing campaign with model ambassador Vir Das introducing the brand new Workplace Sneakers line.

The corporate expanded its footprint with 20 new franchise shops, specializing in semi-urban markets and city growth. 

“We proceed to take care of a balanced strategy between managing near-term challenges and investing in long-term progress drivers,” Mr. Shah stated. 

“We’re optimistic about consumption restoration in the direction of stability of this 12 months, backed by our robust market positioning and large community whereas sustaining robust concentrate on price efficiencies,” he added.

In Q1 FY26 the corporate’s income from operations stood at ₹942 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, broadly steady in comparison with the identical interval final 12 months. Web revenue was down 70% YoY to ₹52 crore from ₹174 crore a 12 months in the past. 

Nonetheless, it reported a gradual operational efficiency within the first quarter of FY26, with Incomes Earlier than Curiosity and Taxes (EBIT) rising 7% year-on-year, pushed by disciplined price management and sharper stock administration.

The corporate attributed its operational features to ongoing initiatives that enhance inventory turns, forecast accuracy, and merchandising agility.

The quarter additionally included an distinctive price of ₹4.3 crore linked to strategic initiatives aimed toward making the enterprise extra asset-light and agile.

 Adjusted for final 12 months’s one-time acquire from a land sale, the corporate delivered EBIT progress YoY, it stated.

With over 1,950 shops, a franchise community, and omni-channel presence, Bata India stated it continues to place itself as a market chief in “mixing vogue and luxury”, catering to over 260,000 clients every day.