Bata to add 500 stores in 5 years

New Delhi: Footwear major Bata India on Thursday said it will strengthen its presence in the domestic market by adding 500 stores in next five years, focusing mainly on smaller markets.

The company has identified tier 2, 3 and 4 cities where it has plans to broaden its sales network through the franchise model, Bata India said in a statement.

Bata has already identified 180 such markets in smaller cities pan-India, where the company is seeking franchise partners to expand its presence beyond metro cities.

"The company is betting big on franchising and already has over 150 franchise stores across the country. Bata plans to open 500 stores in the next five years," the statement added.

According to the latest annual report, Bata India has pan-India retail presence with 1,415 stores across cities with 3.07 mn sft of retail space.