The Bangladeshi footwear industry is experiencing a surge in popularity, with popular shoes brands gaining ground over international competitors. Local manufacturers are consistently producing high-quality shoes, making them a compelling choice for consumers.
This shift is propelling the footwear industry into one of Bangladesh’s primary manufacturing sectors. The market itself is substantial and constantly growing, attracting new Bangladeshi footwear brands to cater to this expanding consumer base.
Footwear Industry in Bangladesh
The footwear industry in Bangladesh is experiencing significant growth, with a projected market value reaching US$3.33 billion in 2024. This positive trend is expected to continue, with an annual growth rate of 5.66% anticipated between 2024 and 2028. Notably, the largest segment within this market is casual and textile footwear, which is estimated to reach a volume of US$1.52 billion in 2024.
Bangladesh’s footwear industry benefits from several factors, including a competitive advantage in terms of production costs due to readily available raw materials and a skilled workforce. This translates to a growing and dynamic market within Bangladesh.
Popular footwear companies in Bangladesh
This article we will highlight some of the most popular footwear companies that have achieved success in the Bangladesh market.
- Bata
- Apex Footwear
- Bay Emporium
- Step Footwear
- Lotto
- Walker Footwear
- Orion Footwear
- DBL Lifestyle
1. Bata
When it comes to leading the footwear market in Bangladesh, Bata stands out prominently. Founded in 1894, Bata boasts approximately 6,000 retail stores and over 100,000 dealers and franchisees across more than 70 countries. Bata began its journey in Bangladesh in 1962 and currently operates 226 retail outlets in 63 districts.
Bata has two manufacturing facilities located in Tongi and Dhamrai, Dhaka, where they produce 25 to 30 million pairs of shoes annually. In Bangladesh, Bata offers a wide range of shoe brands, including Bata, Ambassador, B-First, Ballerina, BubbleGummers, Comfit, Insolia, Marie Claire, North Star, Pata Pata, Power, Red Label, and Weinbrenner.
2. Apex Footwear
Syed Manzur Elahi, a pioneer in Bangladesh’s footwear industry, founded Apex Footwear in 1990. Apex Footwear Limited is a Bangladesh-based producer and supplier of leather footwear to shoe stores in Western Europe, North America, and Japan.
As one of the largest shoemakers in South Asia, Apex Footwear accounts for approximately 15% of Bangladesh’s leather footwear exports. In the first nine months of FY22, Apex Footwear reported profits of Tk 7.90 crore, an increase from Tk 5.26 crore the previous year, thanks to decreasing raw material costs.
With over 250 retail shops, 275 franchisees, and 150 wholesalers across Bangladesh, Apex Footwear Limited is the country’s largest footwear retailer. Dominating the local market, Apex produces over 3 million pairs of shoes each year, cementing its position as a leading player in both the domestic and subcontinental footwear industries.
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3. Bay Emporium
Bay Emporium Ltd., a “Family Footwear Retail Company,” was founded in 2003 and offers a wide range of products for men, women, and children of all ages. The company entered the local market in 2006 and now operates around 75 outlets across Bangladesh, holding the third position in the country’s family footwear retail market.
Bay Emporium’s first production factory was established in Gazipur, followed by a second in Mouchak, Konabari. These facilities feature sophisticated machinery and cutting-edge technology, aimed at delivering superior quality products with high efficiency. Targeting medium to high-income customers, Bay Emporium is one of Bangladesh’s top footwear retailers.
Specializing in vulcanized shoes, Bay Emporium primarily distributes its products in Europe and East Asia, reinforcing its reputation as a leading player in the international footwear market.
4. Step Footwear
Step Footwear, a subsidiary of the Step Group, was launched in 2010 by Shamim Kabir, Founder and Managing Director. The company offers a wide range of sandals for women, men, and children, including flip-flops, wedges, and strapped sandals, featuring squish technology for enhanced comfort.
Recently, Step introduced a new footwear line targeting corporate females and young professionals. With over 300 employees, a third of whom are women, Step Footwear is committed to diversity in its workforce. The company has also expanded internationally, exporting flip-flops to the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, and the United States.
In Bangladesh, Step Footwear operates more than 80 retail outlets and 200 counters, solidifying its presence in the local market.
5. Lotto
In June 1973, Lotto was established as a footwear manufacturer and began its operations in Bangladesh in 2012, becoming the country’s first international sportswear brand. Kazi Jamil Islam, Managing Director of Lotto Bangladesh and Express Leather Products Limited, serves as Lotto’s local partner. Lotto BD has gained popularity among Bangladeshis by offering high-quality, premium products with a fashionable twist.
Lotto’s products are distributed in over 100 countries through specialist chain stores, independent sports article stores, and major retailers with dedicated sports sections. In Bangladesh, Lotto operates 150 stores and employs 1300 active staff.
Approximately 60% of the Italian sportswear manufacturer’s income is derived from Europe, with the remaining 40% coming from other regions, including 30% from Asian nations.
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6. Walker Footwear
Walker, part of the RFL Group led by Managing Director R N Paul, entered Bangladesh’s footwear market in 2017, focusing on providing quality footwear at affordable prices. With 70 outlets nationwide and employing over 500 staff, Walker aims to establish itself as a leading brand known for innovation and uniqueness in its products. The company emphasizes quality control through world-class labs and R&D centers, aiming to meet customer expectations with comfort and affordability as priorities.
The footwear sector in Bangladesh is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing demand and a competitive market landscape. Bata, once the dominant player, now faces strong competition from newer entrants like Walker, signaling a dynamic shift in the industry. This expansion not only supports job creation but also boosts economic prospects through increased exports of footwear and leather goods, contributing to Bangladesh’s economic growth.
7. Orion Footwear Limited
Orion Footwear Limited is an important strategic business unit of Orion Group in its footwear and foot-care division stepping into the market in the beginning of 2015 with a slogan to “Never be the same” through nationwide retail distribution network with a clear vision to be number one shoe brand in the country by 2025, where the customer will experience unique shopping experience in terms of product, quality and service. The company is structured with all logical departments headed by skilled professionals from a leading footwear multinational company in the country with a high level of experiences and exposures in the field.
8. DBL Lifestyle
DBL Group is a family owned business which started in 1991. The first company was named Dulal Brothers Limited. Over the years, the organization evolved into a diversified conglomerate in Bangladesh. The businesses include Apparel, Textiles, Textile Printing, Washing, Garments Accessories, Packaging, Ceramic Tiles, Pharmaceuticals, Dredging, Retail, and Digital Transformation Services.
DBL Lifestyles started its new store with Nike at Banani Road 11 on 20th July, 2023. The Board of Directors of DBL Group inaugurated the store. DBL Lifestyles has already been a franchise partner of PUMA in Bangladesh. Now, Nike has been added to its retail portfolio and it’s committed to add more globally renowned brands in the days to come, to cater to the demands of the local consumers.
