Bata India crosses 2,000 stores, targets 3,000 in expansion push

Bata India is also broadening its zero-based merchandising (ZBM) format, currently deployed across 775 stores. The company plans to extend it to close to 900 locations by the end of 2026. ZBM resets product range and inventory from scratch, keeping only items that support sales and margin. The company said the format is intended to sharpen merchandising efficiency and strengthen inventory management.

Chief strategy and business development officer Badri Beriwal said: "Our focus now is on building a future-ready organisation driven by retail scale, omnichannel capabilities and manufacturing strength. As Bata's most strategic market globally, India continues to offer significant headroom for growth, particularly across emerging towns and cities."

Separately, Bata India named Sanjay Rao as its incoming managing director and chief executive officer last month. Rao succeeds Gunjan Shah, who is stepping down after completing a five-year term. Rao takes over as CEO from 24 August 2026. His tenure as managing director begins on 1 October 2026 and runs until 23 August 2031.