In an effort to widen the reach of their respective brands, Reliance Retail’s footwear division and Bata India are believed to have entered into an agreement.
However, none of the companies have disclosed the news and declined to comment.
When contacted, Raghu Pillai, president – strategy, Reliance Retail, told Indiaretailing, “I cannot comment upon anything unless anything is official.”
In response to Indiaretailing queries, G Sankar, chief executive, Reliance Footprints, also rebuffed the speculations saying, “Nothing is happening; we are not talking to any company.”
A similar response came from Manoj Chandra, vice president – marketing & customer service, Bata India, as he told Indiaretailing, “There’s nothing to be shared with the media, and the official statement on developments will soon be made.”
Reliance Retail had recently introduced eight private footwear labels, and if unofficial sources are to be believed, all eight will be retailed through Bata stores, while select Bata shoes will be available at Reliance Footprints, the footwear retailing arm of Reliance Retail.
– Ranjan Kaplish
