About BATA

INDUSTRY BACKGROUND:

To identify the period when the footwear was made is not an easy job. The ancient carving and drawing depicts the use of footwear which suggests its origin thousands of years ago. Primitive men made own shoes from the skin of wild animals to protect from the natural calamities. So from the very beginning the protection to the feet was the ultimate purpose of footwear.

Shoemakers were the first craftsmen to establish in the middle age and through the build societies of craftsmen where common trends, came a standard of quality which earned the shoemaker well established position in the community. The quality and care the shoemakers had taken with this craft had earned place in the history and Bata Shoe Organization is proud to follow in this tradition of fine quality craftsmanship.

Be it for the reason of necessity we can pretty much assume that shoes have been around for as long as there been sharp, rocky terrain, extreme temperature and human ingenuity.

The early shoe design was often taken from nature and in addition to sandals; the Egyptians also wore a shoe with an upturned modeled on the elephants tusk. The Romans carried there shoes style through out the ancient world as they conquered. The Moors who conquered Spain in the 8^th century introduced beautiful soft dyed leather known as cordovan. Their shoes covered the foot and ankle. They came to be called “Babylonian Shoes”.

In Europe, during the middle ages district periods of style, emerged together heavy ornamentation. Styles of shoes were of course restricted to the wealthy class between the ruling mobility and the serfs. In the century, there began a long period marked by increasingly painted shoes. They were waxed and other featured embroider stitching.

These histories of shoe vary apart of all history. In the beginning necessary dictated style and then through conquest travel and trade styles were exchanged among the people of the world. Materials varied decoration in footwear popular to points of becoming excessive and ludicrous.

Once shoes were produced by craftsmen, shoemakers in single pairs, each cut, stitched and tacked by hand in time consuming, laborious method has now changed into vast industry in which footwear’s, thanks to modern technological machines.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRY

1900’s:

The year 1900 was not as exiting as the 19^th century millennia listss might have hoped. The end of the world did not come. Shoe fashion did not change a whole lot either. The prim black boots of Queen Victoria’s era did not fade away with her death in 1901. They continued with unabashed popularity for several more years. Skirts were after all still brushing the tops women’s feet. However hemlines began to rise a few years into the new century as the rest as they say as the history… The period between 1900 to 1910 is often called as the Edwardian Era after Queen Victoria’s successor. King Edward VII. Sophisticated of the day also referred to this time as the Bello Epoque, or ‘beautiful age’ as there was definite learning towards classical aesthetics. Day shoes were typically boots. Evening shoes were more diverse with the popular style for women a court shoe with a small louis heel. These were often embellished with embroidery or metallic thread and glass or jet beading on toes often the only part peeking out from a voluminous skirt. Evening boots were often made from soft kid or stain with rows of beaded straps embellishing the skin.

Cobblers still made great deal of shoes during this period. Many people especially often had just one pair that lasted for several years. As the industrial revolution reached a fewer pitch however factories began to steadily gain over industrial craftsmanship. Soon only the very rich could afford custom made shoes. On the other hand factory made shoes meant lower prices and shoes became accessories, something easy and affordable to change… The 1920’s were one of the most tumultuous periods of this century. With the Great War behind them people found themselves swept away on a tide of change. Some reveled in it, some hated it but the 20^th century had truly begun.

1920’s:

Mass production and the development of affordable synthetic fabrics granted everyone to access to beautiful clothing and shoes. The foot became a focal point of fashion. Shoe styles were influenced by crazes like the Carleton, a dance that demanded a security fastened shoe with a low heel and a closed toe. A single bar pump with a pointed toe high wasted heel and one tiny covered button was the most common style. High tongued cutaway decorated cross over and t strap were most popular elements.

The curiosity for exotic art and culture was fueled by the discovery of Egyptian King Tutankhamen’s yonb in 1922. Egyptian and Native American theme appeared in everything from furniture to clothing to advertising. Shoes also reflected these themes.

Bright fabrics and brilliantly dyed leather including metallic were used to create some of the most exiting shoes ever seen. Fabulous harem slippers and slides were among the favorites. A number of luxury materials including rich brocades, satin, silk and velvets often embellished with metallic overstitching, embroidery or beading were employed. The heels were often works of art in themselves made of such materials as Bakelite, Wedgwood, Jasperwear or leather. They were often decorated with lace, rhinestone and other pretty shiny things.

1930’s:

Designers began to experiments with shoe fashion. Planform shoes made their first 20^th century appearance in the late 1930’s. Created by designer such as Salvotore Ferrogamo and Andre Perugia these platforms were created from wood, cock and other materials due to shortage of leather and a war ban on rubber.

Shoes were also higher in a vamp, making them look ‘chubbier’. Sandals were increasingly popular reflected in the strappy evening shoes with open toes revealing sheer, silk hose. Men were beginning to wear more spectators loafers and fewer boots. Women seeking sensible, low heeled footwear.

1940’s:

By 1940, the average American women owned five pairs of shoes. But the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor thrust the country into war and created a wave of nationalism. The democratic world was truly in peril and everyone banded together to fight against fascism.

Overseas leather was now restricted to military use, so shoe designers were forced to be increasingly clever. Every imaginable materials was incorporated into shoes, but reptile skins and mesh were most successful substitutes. Cork or wood soled ‘wedgies’ were such advertising as Vogue’s “Make Do & Mend” campaign. Factories were converted for consumer’s goods production military production. U.S rationing rule limited the height of shoe heels to one inch and allowed for only six color choices: stockings were also unavailable. Magazines and beauty salons helped out by offering tips on how to paint legs with black sea and tans using makeup. This being unpractical as an ongoing ritual, ankle socks became increasingly popular.

1990’s:

Is there anything new under the sun? the 90’s are an amalgamation of this century’s style. Diversity has a concept in the 1990’s and its influence is reflected very obvious in fashion. Shoes are no longer confined to handful of styles; they are available in every conceivable style and make for any occasion.

Today footwear industry through the assimilation of scientific methods and function of research has undergone drastic change.

Organization INTRODUCTION:

The organization is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of footwear. It has 83 companies spread all over the globe both in developed and developing countries. The organization is a leader in the use of modern technology and the latest management and marketing techniques. Its 73 manufacturing units produce vastly comprehensive line of footwear from women’s high fashion shoes Artic boots, men’s dress shoes to popular sports shoes for children. It operates 6300 company owned stores all over the world. These include Bata family, Athletes world, Bubble gummers, Myrys, Rizzi, Heyraud and Marie Claire stores. In addition Bata has over 50000 independent retailers. The combined production and sales 270,000,000 pairs of shoes per year. The Bata Shoe Organization has 67,000 employees on its rolls today.

Bata Ltd the world headquarters of the Bata shoes organization is located in Toronto, is managed by experts in manufacturing, retailing, marketing, finance, product development and personnel. A work force that is available for training and guidance in all operation in the field.

THE CORPORATE PROFILE:

Today Bata ltd has become a legend, behind it is a saga of determination and pursuit if excellence. A spirit of enterprise that has made Bata ltd a complex, multidimensional giant, ever at the service of million of people in India. How did it all begin?

Origin:

It was January 1934, pre independence era, when the Bata shoe company purchased 155 acres of land form the port commissioners and small land holders at a place in the outskirts of Kolkata. This land was filled with deep ditches, remnants of burn and company’s brick fields. So thick were the forests surrounding the place that wild animals roam about. Within a few months the consul general of Czechoslovakia laid the foundation stone of the first building and named the township Batanagar. Serious construction work began in 1935 under the direction of Mr. Martinee, the architect of the company. By 1936, shoes were being manufactured in the factory and soon by 1939 the Batanagar factory became self sufficient in many ways. During the world war II, the factory’s production was geared enough to meet war requirements. Thereafter growth and progress was steadily soaring upwards. New installation and new schemes for the workers gradually made Bata Ltd a household name in the country since its operation began in 1931 the modest factory in Konnagar of West Bengal representing Bata Ltd has mashroomed into a corporate giant in India’s industrial map.

The biggest footwear marker has a wide wing span; it covers the entire length and breath of the country. The company prides itself in having 4 manufacturing units, 2 tanneries and a number of ancillary units. Pursuing and active policy of encouraging exports since 1935. Bata India exports the largest number of canvas shoes from the country.

Environment:

Thinking Green..... it has been Bata India's endeavor to preserve the environment. Saving the Ganga is a project that has made a significant contribution in this direction. Bata at a considerable cost has ensured that the effluents from the tanneries are treated in a state-of-the-art effluent treatment plants so that they do not pollute the river at Batanagar and Mokamehghat.
Bata was one of the first companies to come forward to preserve nature, when it joined hands with World Wide Fund (WWF) to protect the natural environment and its wildlife. Through an arrangement with the apex body of WWF, a part of the sale proceeds from "Power WWF" collection T-shirts were donated to the WWF.

Afforestation programme along with "Save the Ganga Project" brought many laurels and kudos to our Mokamehghat Tannery. Planting of trees is routinely carried out at all Bata Units.
The factory at Bangalore was considered the best maintained garden in Peenya Industrial Area.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORGANISATION

Bata was originally promoted as Bata Shoe Company Pvt. Ltd in 1931 by leader A.G, Switzerland a member of the Toronto based multinational Bata Shoe Organization (BSO). It became a public limited company in 1973 and the name was changed to Bata India Ltd. BSO increased its stake in Bata in 1993 to 51% through a rights issue. At present Bata is the largest manufacturing unit belonging to the BSO and it enjoys strong financial and managerial support from its parent. BSO is one of the largest manufacturer and marketer of footwear in the world with a present in over 60 countries spread all over the world.

Bata manufactures different lines of footwear at its five manufacturing units at Batanagar in Kolkata, at Faridabad in Harayana, at Bataganj near Patna and at Peenya in Bangalore and an export oriented unit (EOU) at Hosur in Tami Nadu. It also has a tannery at Mokamehghat in Bihar. The company has however converted the Hosur EOU into a domestic tariff area unit through rebounding it in March 1999. the company markets its products under the brand name of ‘Bata’ through more than 1050 retail outlets managed by the company in addition to a large number of other outlets served by the various Bata dealers spread over 1000 cities/towns in India.

Bata first established itself in India in 1931 and commenced manufacturing shoes in Batanagar in 1936. At that time the Bata Shoe Organization  was headquartered in the Czechoslovakia town of Zlin the residence of Thomas Bata, the founder of the organization. Operations were expanded throughout India with the establishment of factories in different states and the rapid growth of the distribution channels to allow the company’s product to reach customers in every town across India. Bata India remains today India’s biggest manufacturer and marketer of footwear. Starting operating as a private company Bata India is today traded on Kolkata and Mumbai Stock Exchange. From its head office in Kolkata Bata India manages a network of five factories, two tanneries, over 1500 showrooms, 27 wholesale depots and 8 retail distribution centers located across all states in the union.

PRESENT STATUS OF THE ORGANISATION

Asia’s largest footwear company strives to maintain its lead with an image of superiority, professionalism and round-the-clock efficiency. A visit to any factory or office in the country bears testimony to that, Bata is gearing itself with the latest in technology and a forward looking approach to human resource development.

In sheer number, a staggering 16,000 (and many more) people work at various functions centers in Bata India, while another 200,000 are indirectly employed.

Indian Bata world:

There are four factories: at Batanagar in Kolkata, at Faridabad in Harayana, at Bataganj near Patna and at Peenya in Bangalore. Taking stock of them all means accounting for thousands of trained men and million of pairs of footwear on the production line.

Of the two tanneries the biggest and the Asia’s largest is situated at Mokamehghat. Tanning 10 million hides per annum both this and the one at Batanagar are fitted with modern machineries to produce top class leather for the domestic as well as international market.

People our asset:

The company firmly believes that giving its people the right encouragement adds incomparable rewards.

Even with technology and progress  man does not take second place at Bata India. Emphasis is given to main management and every opportunity is given so that people can grow with the organization. Each year a large number of regional national and international courses are held to train Bata employees. It is a Bata policy to provide on merit and to stimulate its people into thinking globally.

Always abreast with current trends and technology Bata India brings latest in-line technology in factory after factory. And the workers to many automated industries where work force shrink in direct proportion to their rate of technological tuning. Bata India keeps its employment level steady.

This stability helps to nurture individual career goals and aspiration. Whether it is a hobby or dream Bata India is always ready to stretch a helping hand. ‘Employees’ welfare is woven into the fabric of the company’s philosophy. Proper housing, modern medical facilities and a clean cheerful environment where children can thrive and prosper are some of the Bata India’s imperatives. This apart the corporate responsibility of promoting professionalism is also a part of the company’s credo. At every office factory or shop quality and excellence are demanded and received.

Operation of Bata:

Once the footwear industry was a cottage industry. Today, Bata India is proud to have elevated into a full-blown industry with considerable volume and prestigious position. To remain at the top, Bata India invested substantial amount of capital in developing and in keeping abreast with new technology at current knowledge level. Training over 4000 employees every year in different discipline. Pre-empting market needs the employees are installed into thinking beyond today planning ahead for tomorrow.

Objectives of Bata:

In one word “manifold” is the catchword for describing its objectives. From attaining peak professionalism to earning the trust of every probable customer. Locally or globally that is what the company aims for:

In a sense it is multidimensional drive to…

Maintain high quality at all time.

Create a peaceful and harmonious working environment.

Maintain leadership in the marketing through excellence in service and product and

Gain trusts and respect as a socially responsible corporate citizen and earn the confidence of customer and stockholders.

Retailing in Bata:

Recently there has been a tremendous change in the country retail scene. The retail boom has hit India. Bata India a pioneer is retailing was ready to meet the challenges of the 90’s. well located stores cater to the needs of customers according to their expectation and lifestyles.

Bata India operates a unique chain of 1230 retail outlets, 100 franchise stores and more than 300 wholesalers. Backed by 12 computerized distribution centers and 4-franchise distribution centers located at strategic places it operates 23 depots that supply 300 wholesalers. These in turn serve more than 10000 BSC retailers outlets literally in the outback to meet the footwear need of the country. This dual servicing policy has given the company a unique edge over others.

Quality the key to better business has opened the doors to Bata India has golden opportunity, Adidas, selected the company for collaboration venture in India. Bata India is the owner of his brand in the country. The shoes are being produced at Batanagar and at Bangalore.

Bata Exports:

The unequivocal leader, Bata India exports 80% of the total canvas and rubber footwear from the country. Besides it has won accolades and contract from famous companies like British shoe corporation, Benson, Olivers, Marlow, Kidderminister, F.H Wills in the UK, shoe city Inc and Pic N Pay stores in the USA as well as Meldgaard and Peasted in France.

In the last five years more than 19 million pairs of footwear were manufactured and exported by Bata India. International giants such as Germany, USA, Holland, Denmark, New Zealand, France and Canada have recognized and given the company international status for quality excellence. And at home the company continued to win the prestigious achievements year after year.

Mission:

With footwear marketing and manufacturing as its core business to achieve success and become the biggest and most skillful multiple retailing and distribution organization with a dynamic, flexible and market responsive approach to present and future opportunities for profitable growth. Success in the company’s mission will be measured by excellence in service to customers, the integrity and ability of the employees’ confidence of the shareholders and the suppliers and by being respected by the community as a responsible corporate citizen. Thus the pursuit of excellence countries.

Future:

Bata will remain a household name to the people. It produces footwear for the family, with a chain of modern stores all around the country and bringing in new trends and brands extension to suit the needs of traditional and trendy. But there is also the unseen facet of the company.

Its giant infrastructure and the network of people working towards one common goal: to give to the customer, service and value that he deserves through relentless search for quality and pursuit of excellence. Looking towards the next century Bata India dreams bigger dreams, with its feet firmly placed on reality. Even with optimism, this is the golden profile of Bata India.

Always ahead in new designs, new features, new products. A relentless search will continue for better quality and pursuit of excellence. Bata aims to provide new shoes for its customers at every step of their lives, every week.

Bata will remain a household name to the people of India. Making footwear for the family with a chain of ultra-modern retail outlets all around the country and bringing in new trends and designs to suit the needs of the trendy and the traditional. Today, Bata has repositioned itself as a marketing-driven company with emphasis on quality service and production

Awards:

Bata India is one of the top 10 brands according to the recent survey by A and M. The company has won the third annual Images Fashion Award for the most admired footwear company in 2003. Super brand council, comprising captains of industries has selected “BATA” as one of the super brands in India. The selection was largely based on criteria such as the brands mind dominance, goodwill, loyalty, trust and emotional bonding.

Meeting customer demands.

The Company today operates more than 1500 Retail outlets spanning the entire length and breadth of the country. It has 26 Wholesale depots, serving more than 500 wholesalers. It sells around 60 million pairs of shoes annually and markets international brands, like Weinbrenner, Hush Puppies, Dr Scholls, Reebok, Nike, Azaleia. The other most popular Bata brands are Power, Marie Claire, Bata School shoes, Sandak, Bubblegummers, Bata Hawai and Bata Industrial.

Popular brands

Bata is a household name in India and is the undisputed leader in footwear technology. It manufactures and markets footwear for every walk of life. It is the first Indian company to introduce shoes using latest technology under its brand "Bata Tech". Among its newest collection of technogy in Men's shoes are "Wind" with in-built air-circulation technology, "Antishox" with shock absorbing technology and "Flexible" the most bendable shoe with in-built comfort feature and "Comfort" for women have become breakthrough products in footwear industry.

Bata brands:

With more than eight renowned brands, which include Hush Puppies, Marie Claire, Bubble Gummers, Power, we cater to a wide range of choices all over the country. Hush Puppies are one of the world's most comfortable shoes designed for both men and women. Marie Claire is for today's fashion conscious women who love shoes, which match their colourful and vibrant wardrobe. That's not all. For those who want a tough shoe that can weather any storm, we have Sandak to suit their needs. Weinbrenner is simply meant to take you outdoors. With them on you can be rest assured about their rugged character and durability. Kids can take their pick from Bubble Gummers. Power is all about athleticism, for those who love sports and enjoy sporting activities.

BATA STORES:

Flagship stores:

With over 4700 company owned retail stores spanning almost every continent and over 100,000 independent retailers and franchisees distributing Bata banner footwear the Bata banner is one of the world’s most familiars sights.

STORE CONCENTS

Bata Retailer Stores:

Bata operates almost 4,700 stores around the world. Our goal is simple: to consistently be the most satisfying store to shop for well priced and fashionable footwear, everywhere in the world. Bata operates four core formats: City stores, Superstores, Family stores and Value stores.

Bata City Stores:

Bata operates stores in many of the world’s fashion capitals. Bata City stores offer urban customers the best in today’s fashion footwear and accessories. These stores are in prime locations and provide a high level of customer service, exclusive fashion shoe lines with complementary accessories and contemporary shopping environment to discerning shoppers. Stores are usually opened from Monday to Friday, from 9.30 to 20.30 and on Sunday closed.

Bata Superstores:

Bata Superstores offer a wide assortment of fashion, casual and athletic footwear for the entire family. Located primarily in urban and suburban shopping malls, these offer high value by providing good quality shoes at great prices in an assisted service shopping environment.

Bata Family stores:

Bata is the world’s leading family footwear chain. Whether Prague or Singapore, customers have learned to depend on Bata for a wide assortment of comfortable, durable and fashionable footwear for the entire family at reasonable prices. The products are primarily the Bata brand, with carefully selected assortment of articles from both local and international brands. Footwear, handbags, hosiery, shoe care products- Bata Family stores are the trusted source around the world.

Bata Value Stores:

Bata has build the reputation on providing high value to the consumer wherever they operate. Bata Value Stores – outlet centers, Bata Bazaar stores and depots- offers an incredible wide assortment of very affordable footwear for the entire family. The shopping environment is a self-service format for ease of shopping. Footwear is attractive and durable and specifically selected and sourced to meet the needs of the value conscious customers.