Bata revamps iconic Grand Hotel store in Kolkata, plans 30 new outlets across East

Also known as 0001 Grand Hotel, the outlet is Bata’s first retail store in India and ranks among its top three stores nationwide. Holding immense emotional and historical significance, the store remains a key landmark in Bata’s retail legacy spanning more than 90 years.

Kolkata and Batanagar have long been central to Bata India’s growth story. The city contributes nearly 50 per cent of the company’s eastern business and around 6 per cent of its national turnover, the company said in a statement.

Currently generating annual revenue of around ₹9 crore, the store is expected to grow to ₹10–11 crore over the next year.

Marking the occasion, popular Bengali actor Ritabhari Chakraborty visited the store, adding a festive touch to the launch. Bata said her strong regional connect, influence, and understanding of local audiences make her a natural fit for the brand in the market.

Commenting on the milestone, Gunjan Shah, CEO of Bata India, said, “As consumer expectations evolve, we are reimagining retail experiences across our network. The Grand Hotel store revamp is part of a broader strategy to elevate our retail footprint through premium environments, sharper in-store experiences, and stronger consumer engagement.”

He added, “Kolkata remains a key market, with Batanagar standing as a powerful symbol of our regional legacy. This transformation reflects our commitment to investing in markets that have shaped our heritage while building for the future. Looking ahead, Bata India plans to add 25–30 new stores across the East over the next year, spanning both COCO and FOFO models, with a strong focus on West Bengal, including emerging markets and the hills.”

Echoing the sentiment, Badri Beriwal, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Business Development Officer at Bata India, said, “The East continues to be one of our most important growth corridors, with Kolkata at the centre of this strategy. The Grand Hotel store revamp reflects how we are redefining retail in high-impact markets. This format will play an important role in shaping the next phase of our retail expansion.”

The revamp is backed by Bata India’s ‘Customer First’ supply chain initiative, which focuses on ensuring consistent product and size availability while enabling faster replenishment across stores.

Speaking on the initiative, Anjan Kundu, Head of Supply Chain at Bata India, said, “At Bata, we believe that the quality of the in-store experience is closely linked to the strength of the supply chain that supports it. The ‘Customer First’ initiative is designed to ensure that every customer who walks into a Bata store finds what they are looking for, every single time. For a store of this scale and significance, this commitment is essential.”

Further strengthening its connection with the region, Bata India also announced that its Durga Pujo 2026 festive collection will make its national debut in Kolkata.