09 March 2026, Mumbai
Metro Brands (MBL) has expanded its store network in India, operating over 1,000 stores across India as of March 2026. This expansion underscores the company’s evolution from a legacy footwear retailer into a multifaceted lifestyle platform. By maintaining a disciplined approach to geography, the company has effectively penetrated over 200 cities, balancing its established presence in major metros with aggressive growth in Tier-I and Tier-II markets. This physical footprint is supported by a robust omnichannel strategy, with digital channels currently contributing approximately 12 per cent to 14 per cent of total revenue. As the company crosses this operational milestone, it continues to refine its premiumization strategy, with products priced above Rs 3,000 accounting for over 55 per cent of its total business.
Diversifying the retail portfolio for modern consumers
The retailer’s growth is anchored in a diversified brand architecture, ranging from value-driven labels like Walkway to high-end global partnerships including Foot Locker, Crocs, and FitFlop. A notable development is the recent launch of MetroActiv, a new retail concept focused on the high-growth athletic performance and athleisure segment. This format aggregates global brands such as Nike, Asics, and New Balance, directly addressing the shifting consumer preference toward fitness-oriented fashion. According to Nissan Joseph, CEO, this diversification is intentional, designed to mitigate market volatility while fostering long-term resilience through a comprehensive product mix that appeals to varied demographic cohorts.
Navigating regulatory and market headwinds
Despite strong top-line performance - marked by a 15 per cent revenue growth in recent quarterly results - Metro Brands remains attentive to operational hurdles. Stricter Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulations concerning imported athletic footwear have necessitated a measured, opportunistic approach to scaling international formats like Foot Locker. Furthermore, the company is prioritizing operational efficiency, optimizing store-level performance rather than pursuing indiscriminate numeric targets. By leveraging a decentralised decision-making model and deep-rooted vendor relationships, MBL continues to manage its supply chain and inventory with high agility, positioning itself to navigate macroeconomic challenges while capitalizing on the long-term expansion of India’s organized footwear market.
Headquartered in Mumbai, Metro Brands is a leading Indian specialty footwear retailer offering apparel, accessories, and footwear for all ages. It operates via an asset-light model across various segments - from economy to luxury - through both in-house and international partner brands.
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