Bata to Expand into 500 New Towns, Focusing on Franchise Model.

Footwear giant Bata India announced on Wednesday a major expansion plan, targeting 500 new towns over the next five years, primarily through a franchise-led model.

During the company’s annual general meeting, Bata India's Managing Director, Gunjan Shah, stated that the franchise model would be the key driver of this growth. "We have identified another 500 towns that we can add to our franchise model," he said.

Shah noted that while Company-Owned Company-Operated (COCO) stores will continue to expand, the focus for the next two to three years will be on a ratio of approximately 80% franchisee-owned stores to 20% COCO stores.

This strategy builds on the success Bata has already seen with its franchise model. The company's number of franchise stores has grown from around 100 five years ago to over 600 today, demonstrating a strong push into new markets across India.