Footwear major Liberty Shoes Ltd is looking to strengthen its position in the Indian footwear market by focusing on product innovation, contemporary designs, technology-led operations and stronger brands as consumer preferences evolve.
The management, in a letter to shareholders, said the company will focus on improving efficiency, maintaining disciplined costs and enhancing its ability to pass on higher input costs to customers amid intense competition and price-sensitive consumers.
Company eyes changing consumer demand
“The Indian footwear market presents a large and compelling long-term opportunity. With a population of more than 1.4 billion, a predominantly young consumer base, rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanization and increasing exposure to global fashion trends, the demand for footwear is expected to continue expanding,” the management said.
Footwear is increasingly moving beyond basic necessity into fashion, lifestyle, wellness and personal expression. Consumers are seeking products that combine comfort, design, quality, functionality and value.
Focus shifts to stronger brands
According to the management, the next phase of growth will not be driven merely by selling more pairs, but by creating better products, stronger brands and deeper consumer relationships.
Liberty plans to combine its manufacturing capabilities and experience with contemporary design, technology, digital channels and data-driven decision-making.
Technology to reshape operations
“Our priorities are therefore clear: stronger products, better designs, greater efficiency, technology-led operations, disciplined costs, stronger brands and an uncompromising focus on the customer,” the management said.
The company also plans to strengthen its capabilities in retail, e-commerce, artificial intelligence and consumer engagement as it seeks to build a future-ready footwear business.
India seen as global sourcing hub
The management said the government’s Make in India initiative and other developments could help India emerge as a significant manufacturing and sourcing hub for the global footwear industry.
“Strengthening domestic capabilities, improving productivity, adopting modern technology and developing globally competitive designs can enable Indian companies to serve both the domestic market and international markets,” it said.
Liberty targets next generation
Liberty aims to retain consumers who have grown with the brand while positioning itself as a footwear brand for a new generation.
“‘LEAP BEYOND LIMITS’ captures this aspiration—to think bigger, move faster, innovate continuously and create new pathways for sustainable growth,” the management said.
The company said the strategy involves moving beyond traditional boundaries between physical and digital retail, functionality and fashion, and established practices and new-age possibilities.