It is reported that Reliance Retail is in talks with Bata, the oldest organised retailer in India, for a tie-up. This is a strategic part of Reliance’s plans to get into footwear retailing.
Industry sources are already touting it as one of the biggest tie-ups in Indian retail, if it goes through. A tie-up will mean that the 1,000-plus Bata showrooms across India will retail the footwear brands planned by Reliance, and Bata brands, in turn, will find space on Reliance Retail shelves.
The foray into the footwear segment envisages a turnover of Rs 3,000 crore in three years. In charge of this vertical is G Sankar, who was formerly MD, Lifestyle India.
