Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited (KICL) has officially stepped into the branded footwear and accessories business by acquiring well-known value brands Zodiz and Jeetlo.
India’s footwear industry is seeing major changes. With a young population and shifting fashion choices, shoes today are more than just utility items.
KICL sees big potential in this space. Currently, each person in India buys an average of 1.9 pairs of shoes per year.
That number is expected to double by 2030. With that growth in mind, the company believes affordable and stylish footwear is the future.
Starting 4th August 2025, KICL will officially take over Zodiz, Jeetlo and several other related sub-brands.
These brands focus on mass-market consumers, offering footwear priced below ₹1,000. This segment makes up nearly 80% of the Indian footwear market, which is valued at ₹80,000 to ₹85,000 crore (~US$ 10 Billion)
By acquiring these brands, KICL now enters one of the largest and fastest-growing consumer segments in the country.
The company plans to focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where demand for budget-friendly fashion is rising. KICL aims to use its wide distribution network to quickly expand its presence in these markets.
The management sees this as more than just a deal. Backed by a strong team and solid infrastructure, KICL wants to build a brand that delivers quality, value and style to millions of Indian customers.
“We are excited to embark on this journey at a time when the Indian footwear market is undergoing a profound transformation. Our goal is to serve the rising aspirations of young Indian consumers while creating lasting stakeholder value.”
Dr. Jinnah Rafiq Ahmed, Chairman, Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited
This strategic entry into the footwear business puts KICL in a strong position to shape the future of affordable fashion in India.
Source – Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited
