Chennai-based company, KICL, successfully purchases shoe brands Zodiz and Jeetlo
In a strategic move, Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd. (KICL) has announced its acquisition of footwear brands Zodiz and Jeetlo, along with related sub-brands, set to take effect from 4 August, 2025. This move is part of KICL's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the mass-market footwear segment, particularly focusing on footwear priced under Rs 1,000, which accounts for nearly 80% of consumption in India.
The new acquisitions are expected to complement KICL's existing portfolio, which includes international brands like Kickers, and its infrastructure, such as a non-leather footwear park in Perambalur, Tamil Nadu. Zodiz, based in Coimbatore, is renowned for its affordable footwear, while Jeetlo, headquartered in Haryana, has made a significant impact in the e-commerce market.
Executive Chairman of KICL, Rafiq Ahmed, believes that the opportunity for value-driven and fashion-apt footwear products in India is immense, and the appetite for affordable fashion in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities is on the rise. Ahmed's business strategy for the acquired footwear brands will be distribution-led, targeting these emerging urban hubs where demand for affordable and fashionable footwear is growing rapidly.
Ahmed stated, "We see a significant opportunity in the mass-market footwear segment, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where consumers are looking for affordable, stylish, and comfortable footwear. Our strategy is to offer products that cater to this demand, combining evolving fashion sensibilities with comfort suitable for daily wear."
The company's commitment to the footwear sector is evident in its investment in infrastructure and partnerships. KICL has already tied up with foreign makers of iconic brands such as Kickers and Adidas, and it has set up a non-leather footwear park in the backward district of Perambalur in Tamil Nadu.
Ahmed believes that the Government of India's continued focus on the footwear sector reinforces the timing and relevance of KICL's entry into the market. With per capita consumption of footwear currently at 1.9 pairs per annum, and expected to double by 2030, KICL is well-positioned to capitalise on this growing market.
[1] India Today
[2] The Economic Times
[3] The Financial Express
- Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd.'s (KICL) strategic acquisition of footwear brands Zodiz and Jeetlo could attract analysis in finance-focused publications like The Economic Times and The Financial Express, as the move aims to strengthen KICL's position in the mass-market footwear segment.
- With its distribution-led strategy for the newly-acquired footwear brands, KICL is anticipating growth in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, a trend that could be discussed in business-oriented platforms such as India Today and The Financial Express.
- KICL's focus on imports of iconic foreign brands like Kickers and Adidas, along with its domestic production at the non-leather footwear park in Perambalur, Tamil Nadu, might find coverage in stock market-centric outlets, such as The Financial Express and India Today's business section.
- Given the potential for increased footwear consumption in India due to the rising demand for affordable fashion, industry watchers might keep an eye on KICL's business development in this sector, which could lead to coverage in both financial and business publications, such as India Today and The Economic Times.
