Footwear brand Valentino has a significant local and global presence, serving over 1 million customers. Established in 1985 as a leather footwear brand, Valentino has since expanded its product range to include complete men’s and women’s footwear, and accessories with a keen focus on comfort and affordability.
Brand Overview
Valentino was established in 1985 when the Late Shri Moti Lal Daultani, an ex-Army man, envisioned making fine leather shoes that would be distinctively Indian. He named his brand Valentino after his beloved pet dog. With no formal background or experience in the shoe manufacturing business, he formed Valentino with only two things in mind – comfort and affordability – because the Indian leather shoe market in the 80s did not offer comfortable shoes that were also affordable. He saw this as an opportunity and began manufacturing 100% genuine leather shoes under the name of Guru Handicrafts.
Keen attention was paid to detail and aesthetics at all stages of shoe manufacturing, and stringent processes were followed, right from sourcing raw leather to its processing. From its humble beginnings, the company grew and received wide acceptance from consumers in Agra and beyond.
Now headed by his son Chander Daultani, he and his team bring dynamism to the company and Valentino crafts some of the best leather footwear in the industry. Chander has been ‘True to the Soil’ and takes huge pride in following in the ethos of ‘Make in India’. He is completely agile to the industry’s current market forces without compromising on his old values.
Market Presence
Valentino is currently present in 150 cities across India, featuring a network of over 400 multi-brand stores strategically located in key market areas. Additionally, the brand operates 4 COCO stores in the Agra region alongside exports and its e-commerce website – www.valentinoindia.com. Each Valentino store is meticulously designed to offer a unique shopping experience, tailored to local demographics and preferences.
Market Leadership
Valentino currently holds a strong market position, marked by steady growth and a loyal customer base. The brand implements a combination of strategies and innovations to affirm its leadership position and stay ahead of the curve amidst increasing competition. This includes investing in research and development to introduce new products, enhancing their marketing efforts to strengthen brand visibility, and leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
Annual Performance
In the recently concluded fiscal year, Valentino has witnessed exemplary results in its operations and business performance. The brand has seen consistent revenue growth, achieved cost efficiencies, and maintained profitability despite facing market challenges.
Expansion Plans
Valentino plans to inaugurate new stores in high-potential locations, with a particular focus on tier I and tier II cities. “These cities offer significant market potential and are key drivers of consumer spending. Expanding into these areas will allow us to tap into new customer segments,” said Chander Daultani.
The brand also aims to diversify its product offerings and strengthen its digital presence. Reaching a set number of store openings, achieving their revenue targets and enhancing customer engagement through innovative marketing initiatives are the brand’s key milestones for this fiscal year.
Emerging Trends
According to Daultani, the increasing demand for lightweight, sustainable, and eco-friendly products, the rise of e-commerce and omnichannel retailing, and the increasing focus on personalised customer experiences are emerging trends in the footwear industry. “These trends will shape consumer preferences and behaviour, influencing the market dynamics and presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses in our industry,” he stated.
