Bata India, one of the largest footwear retailers in India, has recorded a 38.7 per cent rise in the net profit, at Rs.1,433 crore against Rs.1,033 crore in the corresponding period a year ago, for the first quarter of 2010. The net sales of the company grew 11.2 per cent at Rs.25,915.4 lakh as against net sales of Rs.23,303.2 lakh in the corresponding period last year.
“The impressive performance is the result of higher sales and profitability due to the expansion of our retail stores, a fantastic shoe line, increased store productivity, improved inventory management and great customer service. We will continue with our strategy of expansion in different markets by opening new stores and investing in building our brand,” said Marcelo Villagran, MD, Bata India.
Villagran said during the first quarter, the company opened 25 new Bata Shoe stores, two Hush Puppies exclusive stores and two Hush Puppies shop-in-shops with the Lifestyle department stores. The new Bata shoe stores are based on the international format of Bata and have a minimum area of 3,000 sq.ft.
Located in metros, mini-metros and tier 1 and 2 cities, these new stores have helped Bata to bring to its customers its new contemporary range. The company also launched its new spring summer collection in its stores, offering several new trendy designs targeted at young customers, under its famous brands such as Marie Claire, North Star, Power and Weinbrenner.
— IndiaRetailing Bureau
