Indian footwear retailer Bata plans to open 100 new domestic market stores in India annually.

“Last year, we opened a little bit more. We opened 189 stores. Now, going forward, we are planning to open 100 stores every year,” said MD Rajeev Gopalakrishnan.

It also plans to open specialised stores for brand Hushpuppies, in addition to the existing 30 exclusive stores.

“It is our licencing brand. Definitely it (the specialised store concept) is growing better. There is a possibility we may focus more on independent stores. Every year we may add five to 10 stores,” said chairman and CEO Thomas George.

The retailer, with around 1250 stores in India, says the company is enjoying 20 per cent growth yearly.

“I would say China and India are the largest markets for Bata. A country like Indonesia is starting to show some tremendous amount of growth,” said George.

“Europe is a major market for us. But, some of the neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh are developing very well for Bata,” he said.