Rajeev Kondapalli’s Post

Revolutionizing Footwear for India, CSIR-CLRI Introduces New Footwear Sizing System Named ‘Bha’ Representing Bharat becoming the 13th Country In the Whole World to Have its Own Footwear Sizing Chart. A significant development is underway in the Indian footwear industry. The CSIR - Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI) is set to a revolutionize footwear sizing specifically tailored to the specific foot characteristics of the Indian population which I would like put it as "FOOTWEAR FOR INDIA"   ▪ You might ask a question WHY THE CHANGE? ✔ If you see currently, India relies on footwear sizing standards derived from European and US benchmarks. ✔ This approach often results in discomfort for Indian wearers due to inherent differences in foot shapes as Indians typically have wider feet compared to their Western counterparts, leading to a high rate of ill-fitting footwear. ▪ Introducing the ‘Bha’ System Named after ‘Bharat’, an indigenous term for India, the ‘Bha’ sizing system represents a data-driven solution. Which CSIR-CLRI conducted through an extensive nationwide survey spanning from December 2021 to March 2022. This survey was conducted across 79 locations including five geographical zones, utilizing state-of-the-art 3D foot scanning technology to capture foot size, dimensions, and structure of a large sample population. ▪ Let look at some Key Advantages of ‘Bha’ ✔ Enhanced Comfort By incorporating both foot length and width, ‘Bha’ ensures a more comfortable fit for wearers of all ages. ✔ Simplified Sizing The system proposes eight sizes across all age groups (infants to adults), eliminating the need for confusing half sizes. ✔ Reduced D2C Footwear Purchase Returns Did you Know a staggering 50% of online footwear purchases in India are currently returned due to sizing issues and I feel ‘Bha’ has the potential to significantly reduce this problem. ✔ Improved Quality Control Collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will ensure rigorous quality control and material testing for ‘Bha’-certified footwear. So overall the ‘Bha’ sizing system signifies a major step towards customization and inclusivity in the Indian footwear market. Hopefully by 2025, this innovative approach promises to revolutionize the footwear landscape, offering millions of Indians a more comfortable and fulfilling footwear experience. Congratulation Sadiq Md sir and your entire team on this remarkable achievement. By the way, If you have read till here then please ❓ Share your thoughts on the ‘Bha’ system. Do you think it will be successful? ❓ What do you think will be some of the potential challenges associated with implementing a new sizing system? Also please share this within your network to ensure that the message reaches to maximum. #Footwear #FootwearIndustry #FootwearSizing #Innovation #FashionTech #Shoes

How Israr Ahmed of Farida Group, Sees the Indian Footwear Sector Transforming Over the 10 Years (Aston Shoes to Invest Rs.100 Cr)   A few weeks ago, I came across an interesting article in the Times of India. Here’s a brief summary of a few key section, as I can’t cover the entire piece in detail. The article features insights from Mr. Israr Ahmed, Director, Farida Group & J. Rafiq Ahmed, Chairman, Phoenix Kothari (more on him in the upcoming post) According to Israr, the Indian footwear sector is set for remarkable growth over the next 10 yrs potentially outpacing the progress seen in the last 50 yrs This anticipated boom is driven by fresh investments & changing consumer preferences. One major development highlighted by Israr is the new manufacturing facility dedicated to producing sneakers for a prominent US brand The plant aims to manufacture nearly 1 million pairs of a single sneaker design with plans to expand its offerings over time. Ahmed noted the significant potential for increasing order sizes, stating, “Once they come, they come for the long term and with large contracts.” This facility is being constructed according to the specifications set by the brand & employees are undergoing training. Currently Farida Group employs ~ 20,000 workers with 95% being women. Market Insights Over the past 2 decades, the footwear market has undergone significant changes. Once dominated by black leather shoes, which accounted for about 80% of market share, brown shoes have now emerged to claim a similar stake, pushing black leather down to 20%. Industry experts attribute this shift to brown's versatility in color options, making it a favored choice in various fashion styles. Another notable trend is the rise of waterproof leather, which has become a standard feature nowadays. Additionally, there’s also been a big shift from formal shoes to athleisure which combines sporty & casual styles into comfortable and stylish footwear. This change shows that customers now care more about comfort than durability when buying shoes. Aston Shoes plans to invest Rs.100 Cr (~$12M) to produce 10 million shoes annually & make its mark in the global athleisure market. As global brands look to move away from relying on China India could capture up to 10% of the sports shoe market in the coming years, according to Israr Ahmed. Plus, the growing Indian market is attractive for international brands,  Since people in India currently buy about 1.8 to 1.9 pairs of shoes a year. This number is expected to rise to 3.5 pairs by 2030, according to Sanjay Leekha, Former Chairman, CLE. In the end I would just like to say that it will be super exciting to see how this industry continues to evolve and thrive. ----- ❓ What do you think about this? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below #footwear #footwearIndustry #Shoes #MarketInsights #MadeInIndia #Manufacturing Israr Mecca #business

The pan-India survey on Indian feet sizes conducted by the CSIR - Central Leather Research Institute holds significant importance for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in several ways. Firstly, it addresses the longstanding issue of ill-fitted footwear prevalent among Indians due to the mismatch between the existing UK/European and US sizing systems and the actual foot dimensions of the Indian population. By proposing the adoption of the 'Bha' sizing system tailored specifically to Indian feet, the survey aims to rectify this discrepancy, ensuring that footwear manufactured and sold in India better aligns with the needs of its consumers. Secondly, the survey's findings shed light on unique characteristics of Indian feet, such as their wider dimensions compared to European or American feet. This insight is crucial for the BIS in formulating standards and guidelines for footwear manufacturing, ensuring that the proposed Bha sizing system effectively accommodates the diverse foot shapes and sizes present within the Indian population. Bha proposes eight footwear sizes: I – infants (0 to 1 year), II – babies (1 to 3 years), III – small children (4 to 6 years), IV – children (7 to 11 years), V – girls (12 to 13 years), VI – boys (12 to 14 years), VII – Women (14 years and above) and VIII – Men (15 years and above). The biggest advantage of adopting Bha would be that footwear manufacturers would need to develop only eight sizes as against the present 10 sizes (English system) and seven sizes (European system). In addition, half-sizes would not be needed. Moreover, the survey's recommendations, including the proposal for eight footwear sizes under the Bha system, offer a streamlined approach for footwear manufacturers, reducing complexity and potentially cutting down production costs. This aligns with BIS's objectives of promoting standardization and efficiency within Indian industries. In terms of implementation, the survey findings, along with the recommendations submitted to the DPIIT and subsequently forwarded to the BIS for approval, signify a collaborative effort between scientific research institutions, governmental bodies, and regulatory authorities. The BIS plays a crucial role in ensuring that the proposed sizing system meets the necessary quality and safety standards before it is officially adopted and implemented nationwide. Overall, the survey holds significance for the BIS as it addresses the need for a tailored sizing system for Indian feet, offers insights into consumer preferences and requirements, and presents an opportunity to streamline footwear manufacturing processes while upholding standards of quality and safety. #IndianFootwear #BhaSizingSystem #BISStandards #FootwearIndustry #DPIIT #BureauOfIndianStandards #FootwearManufacturing #ConsumerSafety Bureau of Indian Standards | Quality Council of India(QCI) | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) | CSIR - Central Leather Research Institute

Bata is defaming itself by calling its footwear old-fashioned in its own ads! But why would they do that? 😱 See, Bata has long been known in the Indian market for comfort, affordability, and durability. But this exact USP is what led to Bata’s downfall when it came to GenZ, who are conditioned to believe in trends and fast fashion. So, when Bata realised that they already have an older customer base which is stable and needed to convince the younger to buy their footwear in order to stay relevant, they did the unthinkable — they agreed to tarnish their own image! Because designing footwear for a younger audience didn’t perform as expected. Even though the designs were ‘cool’ and ‘trendy’, GenZ didn’t step foot in the Bata stores. Bata finally understood that the problem lay in its brand positioning and perceived identity. It’s a phenomenon in psychology known as PERCEPTUAL FALLACY, which refers to the gap between perception and reality. Because even though Bata was already making youth-centric footwear, they would never notice it. They had a perceptual image of Bata being an old and obsolete brand. To combat this, Bata decided to narrate the same, false perception with a twist. While repositioning, they smartly used phrases like ‘Suprisingly Bata’, ‘It’s got to be Bata’, and even ‘Ye Bata hai?’ 😳 They even partnered with celebs like Kriti Sanon, Kartik Aryan, and Disha Patani, who would resonate more with a younger audience. But all the while Bata modified and reclaimed their perception, they stayed true to their core of being a comfortable footwear brand. Basically, they just introduced the element of ‘style’ to their new launches to appeal to a younger audience without alienating their older audience. And that’s how Bata smartly repositioned itself through a subtle and audience-specific strategy which helped them break free from a false brand perception! ——— Liked this read? Do share with others and FinFloww for more ❤️

Interesting Growth Path for Emerging Channels.

Look ahead :Indian Footwear Industry by 2030     Good 😊 news.      ✨ By 2030 Indian Footwear Industry market  is projected to touch $90 Billion from the present figure of $26 Billion    ✨ India is the second largest global footwear manufacturer  after China amounting to 13% share of Global footwear production, but only with 2.2% of   exports worth $3.0 billion at 9th position.    .   ✨ Significant increase in the demand of non-Leather footwear such as Sports shoes, Running shoes, Casual wear, Sneakers and EVA open footwear like Crocs has been noticed in the domestic market. The non-leather shoe industry which constitutes 77% of Indian $900 million footwear imports.      ✨ This segment of Non-Leather footwear which at present holds 25%  market share here in India,  it is anticipated to touch 75 percent market share by 2030.     ✨ Market trends indicate a shift towards non leather footwear influenced by younger fashion conscious consumers with enhanced disposable income   .    ✨ Investment in high quality designs and production facilities for non leather shoes is crucial and imperative along with protective measures for small firms.      ✨ It's suggested that India should emphasize the following: Outsole moulds Adhesives PU EVA Granules TPU Footwear Machinery etc.      ✨ The government should encourage these industries by giving them production linked incentives as well as import substitute incentives for accessories and components which constitute 40% of shoe making.       ✨ It is noticed that import of such accessories and components the Indian shoes/ footwear produced here are  costs 30 to 40% percent higher.   ✨ Leather shoes on the other hand face no quality issues as Indian companies make the best Leather shoes catering to quality conscious markets like.. EU & USA which is approximately 82% of Indian footwear exports.      ✨ India is lagging in the non leather shoe sector in terms of quality, optics, and is fully dependent on imported inputs.      ✨ The global footwear manufacturing industry is dominated by Taiwanese contract Manufacturers and they make shoe brands  like Nike, Adidas,Puma etc.     ✨ India must attempt to attract global brands to Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, after having seen a growing hub in Tamilnadu for international brands. It's observed that Taiwanese companies like Feng Tay, Hong Fu, Dean Shoes, Oasis Footwear, Sports Gear, Zucca are planning to set up operations in India. States like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhrapradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan and Karnataka need to assign high importance to footwear manufacturing investments in their respective investment promotion outreach/plans.            ✨ At present the Indian Footwear Industry ...a major employer, gives jobs to 4.42 million people and the good news is 40% are women. Now imagine the scope of employment in the Indian Footwear Industry by 2030.     🙂  Happy Days are coming soon!!! & More..... to come ( Sources  GTRI & DH)

Women's Handmade Footwear in India. Our mission at taaramitra.com The Indian domestic market presents a vast opportunity for women's handmade footwear, it aligns with the cultural richness and craftsmanship ethos of India. Cultural Relevance: India has a deep-rooted tradition of craftsmanship, with handmade products being highly valued. Women's handmade footwear, incorporating traditional designs and techniques, can tap into this cultural resonance, appealing to a wide consumer base. Diverse Consumer Preferences: The diversity in Indian culture and fashion preferences provides an extensive canvas for handmade footwear. Different regions have distinct styles, enabling businesses to create a range of products that resonate with varied consumer tastes, thereby maximizing market reach. Omni Channel Presence: Integrating an Omni channel approach allows businesses to reach consumers through various touchpoints, such as physical stores, e-commerce platforms, and social media. This flexibility accommodates the diverse purchasing habits of Indian consumers, providing convenience and accessibility. Storytelling and Branding: Handmade footwear lends itself well to storytelling. Brands can emphasize the craftsmanship, the artisans behind the products, and the cultural inspirations. Effective storytelling enhances brand identity and resonates with consumers who value authenticity and the human touch in their purchases. Customization and Personalization: Women often seek personalized products that reflect their unique style. Handmade footwear offers the opportunity for customization, allowing customers to choose designs, colors, and materials. This personalized touch can be a significant differentiator in the competitive market. Sustainable and Ethical Appeal: With a rising global focus on sustainability, handmade footwear can position itself as a sustainable and ethical choice. By using eco-friendly materials and supporting fair labor practices, brands can attract conscious consumers who prioritize ethical considerations. Collaborations and Partnerships: Collaborations with local artisans, designers, and influencers can amplify the reach of handmade footwear. Partnerships with established brands or retailers can also provide exposure to a broader audience, fostering trust and credibility. Digital Marketing Strategies: Leveraging digital marketing tools, such as social media advertising and influencer partnerships, can effectively showcase the uniqueness of handmade footwear. Visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest can be particularly powerful in highlighting the craftsmanship and aesthetics of the products. In conclusion, the potential for women's handmade footwear in the Indian domestic Omni channel market lies in its ability to blend cultural richness, customization, and sustainability. By embracing these aspects and strategically navigating the Omni channel landscape, businesses can tap into a lucrative and growing market segment.

Indian Footwear Industry- 2030     Good 😊 news.      ✨ By 2030 Indian Footwear Industry market  is projected to touch $90 Billion from the present figure of $26 Billion    ✨ India is the second largest global footwear manufacturer  after China amounting to 13% share of Global footwear production, but only with 2.2% of  exports worth $3.0 billion at 9th position globally.  . ✨ Significant increase in the demand of non-Leather footwear such as Sports shoes, Running shoes, Casual wear, Sneakers and EVA open footwear like Crocs has been noticed in the domestic market. The non-leather shoe industry which constitutes 77% of Indian $900 million footwear imports.      ✨ This segment of Non-Leather footwear which at present holds 25%  market share here in India,  it is anticipated to touch 75 percent market share by 2030.     ✨ Market trends indicate a shift towards non leather footwear influenced by younger fashion conscious consumers with enhanced disposable income   .    ✨ Investment in high quality designs and production facilities for non leather shoes is crucial and imperative along with protective measures for small firms.      ✨ It's suggested that India should emphasize the following: Outsole moulds Adhesives PU EVA Granules TPU Footwear Machinery etc.      ✨ The government should encourage these industries by giving them production linked incentives as well as import substitute incentives for accessories and components which constitute 40% of shoe making.       ✨ It is noticed that import of such accessories and components the Indian shoes/ footwear produced here are  costs 30 to 40% percent higher.   ✨ Leather shoes on the other hand face no quality issues as Indian companies make the best Leather shoes catering to quality conscious markets like.. EU & USA which is approximately 82% of Indian footwear exports.      ✨ India is lagging in the non leather shoe sector in terms of quality, optics, and is dependent on imported inputs.      ✨ The global footwear manufacturing industry is dominated by Taiwanese contract Manufacturers and they make shoe brands  like Nike, Adidas,Puma etc.     ✨ India must attempt to attract global brands to Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, after having seen a growing hub in Tamilnadu for international brands. It's observed that Taiwanese companies like Feng Tay, Hong Fu, Dean Shoes, Oasis Footwear, Sports Gear, Zucca are planning to set up operations in India. States like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhrapradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan and Karnataka need to assign high importance to footwear manufacturing investments in their respective investment promotion outreach/plans.            ✨ At present the Indian Footwear Industry ...a major employer, gives jobs to 4.42 million people and the good news is 40% are women. Now imagine the scope of employment in the Indian Footwear Industry by 2030.     🙂  Happy Days are coming soon!!! & More..... to come ( Sources  GTRI & DH)

Last week REI made two noteworthy announcements relating to its footwear business. Firstly, they plan to double down on Run as a category. Their run segment has grown double-digit % yoy since the onset of COVID, so this feels like a no-brainer. Secondly, and more surprisingly, REI will be exiting their owned-brand footwear at the end of 2024 - only 4 years after producing their first shoe. My thoughts on both pieces of news: In research MakerSights conducted last year on the Outdoor market, Run - along with Hike - were the two categories that gained the most participation during the pandemic. Neither has seen a slowdown since. Over the last 4 years there’s been a ~25% jump in the number of runners - particularly recreational - and the frequency of running activity. All of this means higher demand for running shoes, demand REI is well positioned to supply with its massive installed base of outdoor-centric consumers. As REI expands its run footprint, I’m interested to see how they continue to build out their assortment. In the press release announcing their intentions, REI cited HOKA, On, Altra Running, Salomon and Brooks Running as the five brands that had the most heat with their community. Norda, Craftsportswear and ASICS Corporation were also highlighted. I like the mix (heritage and new) and most of these brands also have strong pedigree in Trail or Hike, which feels a natural fit for REI. Notably absent from their list of brand mentions: industry Run giants Nike and adidas, as well as New Balance who have been on a tear in recent years, and continue to take wallspace at other retailers. Looking at their current .com assortment, REI’s average price point for their run shoes is ~$140. That’s 30% higher than the avg. for DICK'S Sporting Goods run assortment. While the pricing disparity doesn’t surprise me, I wonder how much of the increasingly economically diverse run market REI is pricing itself out of? Not only are runners today more diverse, but the amount of casual runners adopting the sport is a major driver of its overall growth. If REI wants to be a serious destination for this portion of the market, they’ll need to beef up their assortment of entry price-point styles.   Lastly, on REI’s shutdown of its private label footwear business: to me it’s further proof of wholesale’s return to prominence. When REI first launched their branded footwear in 2020, most were forecasting a dominant future for DTC. Nike, and many others, dramatically pulled back from 3rd party retail, and retailers in turn aggressively built up arsenals of owned product. Fast forward to today, and that trend is in full reverse. The fight for shelf space on retailers' walls is more competitive than ever. REI clearly thinks it can make more top-line and build higher consumer LTV leaning into this reality. Kudos to them for embracing it head on. #REI #run #wholesale #Hoka #On #Brooks #Salomon #Atra #Nike #Adidas #NewBalance #Norda #Craft #Asics #DSG #MakerSights

India is coming out with its own Footwear Sizing System ..BHA Indian Footwear business will reach USD250 Billion by 2030. A new footwear sizing system, specifically designed for Indians, is in the works. Named 'Bha' for 'Bharat', it aims to replace existing UK/European and US sizes. The findings of a recent survey -- conducted between December 2021 and March 2022, included 3D foot scanning of over 100,000 Indians across 79 locations -- provided insights into the size, dimensions, and structure of the average Indian foot. What did the survey find? The survey revealed that Indian feet are generally wider than those in Europe or America. It also revealed that the current footwear sizing system has many Indians wearing shoes that are either too large or have poor fitting. The survey further found that the average foot size growth for Indian women peaked at 11 years old, while for Indian men, it peaked at around 15 or 16 years old. It revealed that shoelaces were often tightened excessively, disrupting normal blood flow for the wearer, which, in turn, led to discomfort, injuries, and foot health issues, especially among the elderly and people with diabetes. About the ‘Bha' system The 'Bha' shoe sizing system is a simplified approach with 8 footwear sizes suited to fit different age groups. It aims to provide a better fit for about 85% of Indians. The change is expected to simplify manufacturing by eliminating half-sizes. It also promises increased comfort, increased comfort, wider dimensions and an additional 5mm allowance for foot length. ‘Bha' shoe sizing system The 'Bha' shoe sizing system introduces 8 sizes: Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea did the same before India to have their footwear sizing system