A pair of good footwear is a necessity. They protect and comfort the human foot. Today, a pair of good footwear is also a style statement. There are many footwear manufacturing companies in the world. They make different styles and designs in footwear. Everyone has their go-to brand in the footwear industry.
One such company is Bata. Bata has been present in the footwear industry for more than 124 years. It is one of the world’s oldest shoe manufacturing company. The company has been present in India for 88 years. It is the country’s largest retailer of footwear. It is the leader in the footwear industry of the country.
History of Bata
Bata was founded in the year 1894 in a small town of Moravian in Zlín, Austria-Hungary by the Baťa siblings. Their family members were cobblers for generations. In 1895 the company started the production of canvas shoes to overcome a financial crisis. The shoes became very popular in no time and led to the expansion of the company.
The oldest brother went and learned about new technology in the US and applied it back home. Bata was Europe’s biggest shoe supplier by 1908. The company started to sell shoes in Germany, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Bata started to diversify and open factories in other countries in the year 1915. The company’s head office is located in Lausanne, Switzerland. The company is based in Canada.
Bata came to India in the year 1931 and was incorporated as Bata Shoe Company Private Limited. The company set up its first small operation in Konnagar (near Calcutta) in 1932. In 1934, the company’s buildings foundation stone was laid. Today this small town is known as Batanagar.
The Indian branch of Bata went public. The company’s name was changed to Bata India Limited. It is popularly known as Bata.
Bata Franchise USP
Comfortable footwear makes travel easy and comforting. Bata is India’s largest retailer of footwear. It is the undisputed leader of the industry. The company started from a small town in the Czech Republic and slowly spread throughout the country. The company came to India in 1931 and never looked back.
Bata has stores spread all over India. With more than 1350 stores in the country, Bata wants to double the number of its stores in the next few years.
The company deals not only in footwear for men, women, and children, but it also sells products to take care of the footwear. The company also manufactures fashion accessories items like belt, socks, wallet, and ladies handbags.
Besides selling its products, Bata India also sells products of other international brands at its retail stores. These international brands include Hush Puppies, Weinbrenner, Ambassador, Bubble Gummers, Power, North-Star, Bata Comfit, Sundrops, Marie Claire, Scholl, and Naturalizer. Most of these brands don’t have their exclusive stores in the country. With Bata, its customers can choose footwear from a wide variety of brands under one roof.
The company is a pioneer in its industry. The products of the company are made using the latest technology keeping the comfort and preference of the customers in mind. These products are not placed at high value and are pocket-friendly.
The company is present in India for the last 88 years. It is a brand that is recognized by all generations. People have immense faith in the brand.
Benefits of owning a Bata Franchise
Global Presence
Bata is an international brand with its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. The company is based out of Canada. At present Bata is present in more than 70 countries in the world. The company has 5,300 shops all around the globe.
Global Brand
Bata has been a global brand for decades. The company which started in a small town in the Czech Republic, today is a global brand.
Reputation
The company is a global brand. In India, the company is the country’s largest shoe wear retailer. Bata has a strong network of stores in India, which no other shoe wear retailer can match. The company is the number one choice of many people when it comes to footwear.
Network/ Location
At present, Bata has more than 1350 stores in the country. The stores are located at visible locations where the average footfall is very high. The company has its presence in all the towns, cities and metro cities.
Quality and Price
The company’s main aim is to provide good quality footwear to its customers at a reasonable rate. The canvas shoes were made popular by Bata.
Trusted Name
Bata has been in business since 1894. In India, the company started in the year 1931. The company has been part of the lives of Indians for the last 88 years. It is a brand that is recognized by people of all age groups.
Range of Products
Apart from manufacturing footwear, Bata also manufactures and produces fashion accessories like belts and socks. The company also has its own range of shoe cleaning products. The wide range of footwear includes men’s shoes, women’s shoes, sandals, kid’s footwear, heels, etc.
ISO Certification
Bata India is an ISO: 9001 certified company.
What are the requirements to start a Bata Franchise in India?
Area
The total area required to start a Bata retail outlet is between 1000 square feet to 2000 square feet. The area must be located such that it is easily locatable by the customers. The proposed retail outlet must be located in a commercial space like shopping malls or local markets.
The store must have the capacity to store stock of footwear and other items. There must be enough space to display the products. The interiors of the store are to be set up following the guidelines set by the company. The proposed area must have enough space for the customers to roam freely and look at the displayed footwear.
Skills or Experience
Bata franchise partner does not need any specific skills or experience to start a store. If one has experience in running a business outlet, it will be helpful. The franchise partner has to look after the running of the outlet. He has to manage the staff. The partner will be responsible for the day to day activities in the store. He has to uphold the name of the brand and help the company grow further.
Regions of Operation
Bata has 1350 plus stores in India today. The company has its presences in all the cities of India be it big or small. The company has a strong network of franchise partners who help the company grow further. Bata wants to double its store numbers by opening more stores in all the cities in India. The company wants to increase its footprint in many more towns in India.
Training
The company helps in site selection and construction of the outlet. It provides the outlet design to the franchise partner. A complete operating manual is also provided. Proper Field assistance is also provided. The company helps in surveying the location before starting the store. There is help given in the field of marketing and advertisement. It helps in digital promotions as well as in the distribution of pamphlets. Proper training is given to all staff members. Guidance and assistance are always available to the franchise partner. The company also gives full IT support.
Staff Requirement
Manpower required to run a Bata franchise outlet is 10 persons. A store manager is required to manage the store and assist the customers. A billing staff member is required at the checkout counter. A security guard is required to guard the entrance of the store. A member is required as the cleaning staff. 4 to 5 people are required to help the customers in choosing the right products and providing them with the required size and model. A few members are needed to look after the stock room.
How much does a Bata Franchise cost?
Investment
An investment of INR 30 lakh to INR 50 lakh is required to start a Bata store in India. The investment includes the brand fee. Apart from this investment, amount is required to rent or lease the space to start the outlet. The cost required for the area will vary for different localities, cities, and states.
Years of bond and profitability
The expected return on investment is around 45% every year. The likely payback period is 2 to 3 years. The company signs a standard franchise agreement with the franchisee. The contract is valid for three years. It can be renewed on expiry. Renewal depends on the discretion of the company. The company gives exclusive territorial rights to the franchise partner.
Conclusion
India is the world’s second-largest footwear producer after China. India produces 9% of footwear in the world. It is also the third-largest consumer of footwear in the world.
A 123 years old company, Bata, came to India in 1931 and started a small operating unit in the small town of Konnagar near Kolkata. The town is popularly known as Batanagar today. The company produces a wide range of footwear keeping the needs of the customers in mind. The company manufactures its products in India. The manufacturing units are located at Batanagar in West Bengal, Patna and Hathidah in Bihar, Faridabad in Haryana, Bangalore in Karnataka, and Hosur in Tamilnadu.
The company has won many awards since its inception. A global brand, Bata has stood strong for the last 123 years. When other footwear manufacturing companies were shutting down, Bata kept on rising. The company adapted itself to the change in time, taste and requirements of its customers.
Bata is India’s oldest and largest footwear retail company. The company’s strong network has made it the most promising and trustworthy brand in the country. Bata’s canvas shoes are still as popular as they were in 1895.
To start a franchise unit of Bata the total area required to open one outlet is between 1000 square feet to 2000 square feet. The company provides all the training required to run a store. It also helps in the promotion of the store by advertising about the store. The company is always available to help and guide its franchise partner.
An investment of INR 30 lakh to INR 50 lakh is required to start a Bata outlet. The expected return on investment is around 45% every year. The likely payback period is 2 to 3 years. The company signs an agreement of three years which can be renewed.
Bata is a brand that is available in every household in India. It has earned a name for itself in the Indian market.