Kolkata : Footwear major Bata India has unveiled the revamped version of its iconic Grand Hotel store in Kolkata, reinforcing the city’s central role in the company’s growth journey while signalling a stronger push toward premium retail experiences across eastern India.
Known internally as “0001 Grand Hotel,” the outlet holds special significance for the company as Bata’s first retail store in India and one of its top-performing stores nationally. The revamped store blends the brand’s rich legacy with a modern retail format focused on premiumisation, curated shopping experiences, and enhanced customer engagement.
The relaunch marks another major milestone in Bata India’s more than 90-year association with Kolkata and Batanagar — regions that remain deeply intertwined with the company’s identity and expansion story in India.
Kolkata Remains a Strategic Growth Engine
Bata India said Kolkata continues to be one of its most important markets, contributing nearly 50 percent of the company’s East India business and approximately 6 percent of its overall national turnover.
The newly redesigned Grand Hotel outlet is expected to play a critical role in the company’s future growth strategy. Currently generating around ₹9 crore annually, Bata expects the store’s revenue to rise to between ₹10 crore and ₹11 crore over the next year.
The transformed retail space now features a more premium layout, dedicated premium zones, sharper visual merchandising, and an immersive in-store experience aligned with evolving consumer expectations.
Ritabhari Chakraborty Adds Star Power to Launch
Adding glamour and cultural relevance to the launch event, popular Bengali actor Ritabhari Chakraborty visited the revamped store and participated in the celebrations.
Bata highlighted Ritabhari’s strong connect with Bengali audiences and her influence across the region, positioning her as a natural fit for the brand’s engagement in eastern India.
Bata Plans 25–30 New Stores Across East India
Speaking at the launch, Gunjan Shah, CEO of Bata India, said the company is actively reimagining retail experiences across its network as customer preferences continue to evolve.
He stated that the Grand Hotel store revamp reflects Bata’s broader strategy of creating premium retail environments, improving customer engagement, and strengthening high-impact markets that are deeply connected to the company’s heritage.
Gunjan Shah further announced that Bata India plans to open between 25 and 30 new stores across East India over the next year through both COCO (Company-Owned Company-Operated) and FOFO (Franchise-Owned Franchise-Operated) models. West Bengal, including emerging markets and hill regions, will remain a major focus area.
East India Central to Bata’s Expansion Strateg Badri Beriwal, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Business Development Officer at Bata India, described East India as one of the company’s most important growth corridors.
According to him, Kolkata remains central to Bata’s long-term retail strategy, and the Grand Hotel format is expected to influence the company’s next phase of expansion in premium and high-footfall markets.
‘Customer First’ Supply Chain Initiative to Support Expansion
The revamped store is also backed by Bata India’s “Customer First” supply chain initiative, aimed at improving product availability, ensuring better size consistency, and enabling faster replenishment across stores.
Anjan Kundu said the company believes the quality of customer experience inside stores is directly linked to the strength of the supply chain supporting them.
He noted that the initiative is designed to ensure customers consistently find the products they want whenever they visit a Bata store, particularly in large-format and strategically important outlets like the Grand Hotel location.
Kolkata to Host National Debut of Durga Pujo 2026 Collection
Further strengthening its regional connect, Bata India also announced that its Durga Pujo 2026 festive collection will make its national debut in Kolkata.
The launch will be supported by early inventory planning and a locally focused campaign featuring a major regional face, whose name will be announced closer to the festive season.
The move highlights Bata’s continued emphasis on culturally rooted marketing and Kolkata’s importance as both a commercial and emotional market for the brand.
