GWERU-BASED footwear maker Bata is revamping its stores countrywide to ensure that they conform to modern standards, an official has said.
By Stephen Chadenga
Bata managing director Ronjoy Sengupta said a renovation exercise would improve the shoe manufacturer’s competitive advantage and ensure that the company maintained world-class standards.
“We have renovated and modernised eight stores,” Sengupta said in a recent interview.
“We are in the process of modernising three more stores — Kwekwe, Masvingo and Zvishavane. And going forward we have at least 10 stores earmarked in the next three years to be modernised.”
Bata Zimbabwe has grown to include over 45 stores spread out across various towns and cities in the country.
Last year, the shoe manufacturer increased capacity utilisation to 83% after securing new equipment.
The company refurbished its tannery section, resulting in 100% output growth.
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Despite its efforts given the country’s economic environment, the firm decried the influx of cheap imports particularly from China that affects domestic competitiveness.
“The borders are porous,” Sengupta said.
“There will always be Chinese shoes whether legally or illegally.”
Bata employs 1 400 workers at its factory in Gweru, a sharp decline from 5 000 at its peak.
