KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Bata Malaysia plans to expand its presence by opening new outlets annually, particularly in Johor and East Malaysia, while modernising existing stores.

Bata Malaysia and Singapore managing director Rabi Hasnabi said the brand is also strengthening its online business, which has tripled in sales over the past three years and made it the first footwear brand in Malaysia to sell through the TikTok platform.

Commenting on the outlook, Rabi said Bata Malaysia’s business outlook remains strong this year and into 2026, although consumers continue to feel the pinch, with the post-pandemic rebound in 2022 driven by subsidies.

“Consumers are more cautious in their spending due to uncertainties, but Bata has in place strong programmes to meet evolving demand with affordable, stylish and comfortable footwear,” he told Bernama, in conjunction with the brand’s Founder’s Day, marking 131 years globally and 95 years in Malaysia.

Bata celebrated Founder’s Day on Sept 21 with a double milestone: 131 years of global heritage and 95 years in Malaysia, where the brand has been woven into everyday life for generations.

With more than 240 stores nationwide and a growing online presence, Rabi said Bata continues to combine global expertise with local insights to deliver footwear that meets the needs of every generation.

However, he highlighted that women’s footwear remains its top-performing segment, a trend consistent nationwide.

Tariffs and Trade War

Commenting on the impact of tariffs and the United States (US)-China trade war, Rabi said Bata’s supply chain remains intact as it does not rely on the US for production.

He added that Bata, which operates 20 production facilities worldwide and has a presence in over 70 countries, is leveraging global design and sourcing networks to deliver affordability and comfort tailored to local consumers.

“You may find shoes designed in Italy but produced in Asia, specifically adjusted for Malaysian feet, which are very different from Indian or European feet. This gives us economies of scale and the ability to offer affordable shoes without compromising on quality,” he said. — Bernama