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.
