Metro Brands Ltd, India’s largest footwear and lifestyle retail platform, has crossed the 1,000-store mark as it continues to expand its presence across cities through a three-pronged strategy focused on strengthening existing clusters, adding complementary formats in established markets and entering newer cities.
The company has a presence across 221 cities and 31 states and Union Territories, with a diversified portfolio of owned and international brands spanning formal, casual, sports and athleisure categories.
Expansion follows three-pronged strategy
The company will strengthen successful clusters by adding same-format stores at appropriate distances while avoiding material cannibalisation of its existing network.
It will also backfill established cities with complementary formats where it has a deeper understanding of local customers, while entering newer cities to broaden its reach.
New markets built gradually
“In a new market, we generally begin with Metro and progressively introduce formats such as Mochi, Crocs or Walkway as our understanding of local demand deepens. This approach allows us to grow with greater precision rather than pursue a predetermined store count,” said CEO Nissan Joseph in a letter to shareholders.
“Every opportunity is evaluated against customer demand, site quality, rental economics and its ability to generate sustainable returns. The breadth of our portfolio gives us considerable runway, but financial discipline will continue to determine the pace and quality of expansion,” he said.
Clarks expansion takes phased approach
During FY26, Metro Brands launched Clarks online and introduced its Cloudsteppers range through its Metro and Mochi network, with the initial consumer response described as encouraging.
The company is taking a phased approach, with a wider assortment and exclusive stores to be introduced after the product range and supply chain stabilise.
Sports and athleisure remain key opportunity
“This is consistent with the way we approach every partnership. The objective is to develop brands patiently, protect their identity and build a commercially sustainable business around them,” said the management.
The company continues to view sports and athleisure as a significant long-term opportunity, although its businesses are at different stages of development.
Portfolio spans global brands
“During FY26, our focus was therefore not on scaling every format at the same pace. It was on building clear propositions, strengthening merchandise availability and learning how Indian consumers respond to each concept,” said Metro Brands, President, Alisha Rafique Malik.
Metro Brands’ portfolio includes in-house brands such as Metro, Mochi and Walkway, complemented by partnerships with global brands including Crocs, FitFlop, FILA, Foot Locker, New Era and Clarks.
The company said its diversified portfolio across price points and categories provides significant room for growth, while disciplined evaluation of customer demand, store economics and sustainable returns will determine the pace of future expansion.