Price wars to premium shoes

Bata Bangladesh is part of the Bata Group, which operates in over 75 countries globally and has been part of Bangladesh over 60 years. We find out what's next.

The Daily Star (TDS): How would you describe the current state of the Bangladesh market for footwear?

Debabrata Mukherjee (DM): Bangladesh remains one of the most dynamic footwear markets in South Asia. The long-term fundamentals are extremely strong, driven by rising urbanisation, a growing middle class, and an increasingly fashion-conscious consumer base. We are observing a steady consumer shift from unorganised, purely price-driven alternatives toward trusted brands that deliver both durability and style.

TDS: What major trends or consumer shifts have you noticed in the last five years?

DM: Over the past five years, a trend towards premiumisation has emerged. Customers are willing to invest in comfort-enhanced and health-conscious footwear featuring antimicrobial and lightweight properties. The youth market demands trend-led designs at accessible prices. This shift in consumer preference is coupled with the growing adoption of omni-channel shopping, as customers now seamlessly move between in-store, online, and hybrid purchasing models.

At Bata Bangladesh, our purpose goes beyond making shoes. It's about creating value for customers, employees, and communities, while building a sustainable future. Despite macroeconomic challenges, we are confident in our ability to deliver innovation, quality, and affordability, walking together with our customers, growing together with the nation.

— Debabrata Mukherjee Managing Director Bata Bangladesh

TDS: What are the biggest challenges and opportunities right now?

DM: To us, every challenge is an opportunity. The challenges that we are facing now, higher import costs exacerbated by the exchange rate volatility, unstable inflation, etc, are creating significant opportunities for us to revamp our operations and become more agile. We are strengthening our local sourcing and supply chain capabilities by working closely with our local partners in product and material upgradation and process re-engineering. We are also adapting quickly to rapid advancement in Technology. During the Sneaker Fest in our stores last year, we introduced an Augmented Reality try-on experience, which was very well received by young, tech-savvy consumers.

TDS: How is your product made according to our weather?

DM: In our weather, humidity is a key factor. At Bata, we've invested in advanced adhesives, improved bonding technologies, and rigorous wear-testing to ensure durability in such conditions. Our new Floatz and Comfit ranges, designed with lightweight yet sturdy materials, are particularly suited to the local climate. We also continuously adapt global innovations to address local weather realities, ensuring our customers enjoy footwear that lasts.

TDS: Which line of shoes is popular in your brand among different customer segments?

DM: Bubblegummers offer colourful, washable, and antibacterial protection for children, while Power and North Star provide trendy sneakers for an active youth lifestyle. For professionals, Comfit delivers unmatched all-day comfort with features like soft cushioning and a flexible, slip-resistant sole. Floatz caters to families with its lightweight, versatile, and durable design.