Footwear retailer and manufacturer, Bata India has announced financial results for the full year ending December 31, 2011 with a growth of 49 percent in net profit over the previous year standing at Rs 22,583.9 lakh. The board of directors has recommended a total dividend of 60 percent on an equity share of Rs 10 each for the year 2011. Net sales of the company for the year ending December 31, 2011 stood at 1,54,093.6 lakh.
Announcing the results, Rajeev Gopalakrishnan, Group Managing Director, Bata India, said: “2011 has been a tremendous year for Bata India. Our strategy continued to be strong on the extensive expansion plan which has resulted in excellent results of the company due to higher sales and profitability. The growth momentum continued from first quarter and we have delivered the best results this year for Bata India. The company created new exciting product lines to suit the taste of young and new customers.”
The retailer continued its strategy of expanding its retail stores and opened 146 new large format stores in 2011 with over 3,000 sq.ft., spread across metros, tier 1 and 2 cities. The company will continue to add around 100 new outlets during 2012 and renovate the existing stores. The company also continued expansion of its Hush Puppies brand by opening 20 exclusive new stores and 5 shop-in-shops with leading department stores in the same period.
Bata also continued improving its shoe designs through research, customer feedback and trend analysis. It introduced new technologies in the men dress category such as anti-skid, comfit gel, etc. Men’s leather casual collection under Bata and North Star has helped it in winning young customers. Bata also launched a new collection under Weinbrenner brand.
The company also launched new design under ‘Power’, for the sports enthusiasts and a variety of designs for children under Bubblegummers and Baby Bubbles.
According to the company officials, the wholesale business and exports division of the brand continued to grow with new customers.
Bata offers footwear and accessories and retails through over 1,250 outlets located in over 500 cities across India.
-IndiaRetailing Bureau
