KICL acquired footwear brands Zodiz, Jeetlo
CHENNAI: In a strategic move, Chennai-based Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd.
(KICL), the flagship company of the D C Kothari group, has acquired Zodiz,
Jeetlo and other associated sub-brands in the footwear field.
These are all well-known footwear brands. KICL is deeply into the non-leather
footwear field having set up a non-leather footwear park in the backward
district of Perambalur in Tamil Nadu. It has already tied up foreign makers of
iconic brands such as Kickers, Adidas and the like.
The acquisition of Zodiz, Jeetlo and associated sub-brands will come into
effect from 4 August, 2025.
Zodiz is owned by Zaimus Trends Private Ltd., a company based in Coimbatore.
The brand Zodiz stands for its wide range of affordable and stylish footwear.
Jeetlo Footwear is another Indian footwear brand known for affordable, trendy
shoes and sandals. It has a strong presence on leading Indian e-commerce
platforms.
These brands cater to the price- and quality-conscious mass market,
offering products below ₹1,000 per pair — a segment that accounts for nearly
80% of the Indian footwear consumption, valued at ₹80,000–85,000 crore
annually.
This acquisition gives KICL an immediate foothold in one of the fastest-growing
and underserved consumer segments.
"Our business strategy will be distribution-led, targeting Tier-2 and
Tier-3 cities — India’s emerging urban hubs where the appetite for affordable
fashion is on the rise," said Jinnah Rafiq Ahmed, Executive Chairman,
KICL. Typically, KICL aims to deliver products that are style-relevant and
aligned with the evolving fashion sensibilities; comfortable and suitable for
everyday wear; and affordable and priced to match mass-market expectations
"Our extensive distribution network will be instrumental in scaling reach
and building long-term value across the ecosystem. With a strong team, deep
market understanding and robust infrastructure, KICL is well-positioned to
capture this opportunity. We view this move not just as an acquisition, but as
the beginning of a new chapter — one that will unlock value for consumers,
partners and stakeholders alike," Mr. Jinnah Rafiq Ahmed said.
“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,” he added.
India’s footwear industry has already arrived at a pivotal moment. As one of
the youngest nations globally, India is witnessing rapid shifts in consumer
preferences. Footwear is no longer viewed purely as a utility — it has evolved
into a symbol of personal style and self-expression.
"With per capita consumption at 1.9 pairs per annum which is expected to
double by 2030, the opportunity for value-driven and fashion-apt products is
immense. The Government of India’s continued focus on this sector further
reinforces the timing and relevance of our entry," he said.
