When you think of Indian homegrown footwear brands that balance comfort, design, and affordability, Clog London probably isn’t the first name that comes to mind — yet. But give it a few more years, and that might just change. The Noida-based footwear brand, founded in 2018, is quietly (but confidently) walking its way into the big leagues with a bold plan: 100 exclusive stores across India by 2030.
And here’s the interesting part — they’re not going all-in with just one model. The company plans to blend both franchise-owned and company-operated outlets, a move that shows they’ve learned from the best of both worlds. It’s a smart, measured step in an industry that often swings between reckless expansion and snail-paced growth.
From Clicks to Brick: Why Offline Matters Again
Clog London has so far been a familiar name for online shoppers. You’ve probably come across its range on Myntra, Ajio, Flipkart, or even Nykaa. The brand made its mark through these e-commerce channels, attracting a growing base of customers looking for stylish yet comfortable footwear that doesn’t empty their wallets.
But now, the brand is going beyond the digital storefront. It has just opened its very first exclusive offline store in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. And this, according to the company, is just the start of something much bigger. The team has already inked deals for seven more franchise stores, all set to open soon.
You can feel the excitement in the air. There’s something special about being able to walk into a store, touch the products, try them on, and walk out with a pair that feels right. It’s the kind of real-world experience that online shopping just can’t replace. And it seems Clog London is well aware of that.
A Vision Grounded in Accessibility and Trust
The brand’s founder, Gopal Rathor, summed up their vision beautifully in a recent statement:
“Our vision is to make premium, stylish and comfortable footwear accessible to consumers across India. The upcoming stores reflect the trust customers have shown in the brand. Our expansion will combine company-owned and franchise stores to ensure both scalability and consistency in experience.”
If you’ve followed the footwear market in India, you’ll know that this space has become fiercely competitive. Between local manufacturers and global names like Puma and Skechers, carving out a niche isn’t easy. But that’s exactly where Clog London seems to have found its footing — in offering quality and design that appeal to India’s middle and upper-middle-class consumers who want a premium feel without the intimidating price tag.
And honestly, that’s a smart play. With rising disposable incomes and more people caring about how they look (and feel) in their footwear, the timing couldn’t be better.
A Closer Look at India’s Changing Footwear Game
The Indian footwear market has evolved rapidly in the last decade. What was once dominated by unbranded and local shops is now seeing a major shift toward organised, design-focused brands. Urban consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, want shoes that are not just durable but also stylish — something they can wear both to the office and to a casual hangout.
Clog London has capitalised on that mindset. Their shoes often carry that clean, minimalist look, but they’re also practical — you can wear them all day without regretting your choices. It’s a balance that very few brands get right.
Now, the company wants to take that same promise offline, where people can experience the brand up close. The upcoming stores, as insiders suggest, will follow a consistent design theme — warm interiors, bold displays, and that boutique-like feel where customers can browse comfortably without being rushed.
Why the Hybrid Expansion Model Makes Sense
The brand’s decision to go with both franchise-owned and company-operated outlets isn’t just a random choice — it’s a calculated move. While company-owned stores give them tighter control over branding and operations, the franchise model helps them scale faster without burning too much capital.
It’s a model that many Indian retail success stories — think Biba, FabIndia, and Tanishq — have used effectively. And for a relatively young brand like Clog London, it offers the best of both worlds: growth and quality assurance.
Franchise partners, meanwhile, get the advantage of an established product line, a loyal customer base, and strong digital marketing support from the parent company. It’s a win-win.
The Road Ahead: Targeting Tier II and Tier III Cities
Clog London’s next wave of expansion is focused on Tier I and Tier II cities, which makes perfect sense. These are the markets where consumers are increasingly looking for branded experiences — but at value-driven prices.
And this is where Clog London could really shine. Places like Indore, Lucknow, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, and Surat are fast turning into mini metros with vibrant shopping cultures. These are exactly the kind of cities where people are open to trying new brands — especially ones that blend comfort and class.
If the brand plays its cards right, it might even crack Tier III towns in the coming years — smaller cities that are now discovering the joys of organised retail for the first time.
Challenges (because every good story has some)
Let’s be real: the path ahead won’t be all smooth. Expanding offline is expensive and complex — from finding the right retail spaces to maintaining consistent inventory and customer service standards. Managing franchise operations adds another layer of complexity.
But the team at Clog London seems prepared. Their gradual approach, starting with a handful of stores before scaling to 100 by 2030, shows a certain patience and maturity that’s often missing in today’s “grow fast or die” startup mindset.
And given their success in the online segment, the brand has a strong cushion to fall back on if the physical expansion takes longer than planned.
Why this matters for India’s D2C (direct-to-consumer) Ecosystem
Clog London’s story is also a great example of how India’s D2C wave is evolving. Many brands that began online are now realising the importance of physical stores — not as a replacement for e-commerce, but as an extension of it.
Consumers today often start their journey online — browsing reviews, checking styles, comparing prices — but the final purchase happens offline. Having both channels means capturing customers at every possible touchpoint.
For Clog London, this hybrid retail journey could be the bridge that turns them from a niche digital brand into a household name.
What to Expect Next
By 2030, Clog London aims to have 100 exclusive outlets up and running across India. It’s ambitious, but not unrealistic. If the early momentum continues — and if the franchise partnerships roll out smoothly — the brand could easily become one of India’s most recognised footwear names.
Some things to watch out for in the coming years:
- Which cities do they prioritise first, and how do they balance expansion between metro and non-metro markets?
- Whether the brand introduces new product lines — sneakers, sandals, athleisure shoes, maybe even eco-friendly collections.
- How well the in-store experience reflects the brand’s online identity.
If they get these right, there’s a good chance Clog London will step firmly into the spotlight — not just as a footwear brand, but as a case study in smart, steady, hybrid retail growth.
Final Thoughts
At its core, Clog London’s journey reflects a modern Indian brand growing up. From a digital-first startup to a national retail player, its path captures the broader transformation of how Indians shop, spend, and experience brands.
It’s refreshing to see a company that’s not rushing to be everywhere overnight. Instead, it’s building gradually — one store, one city, and one loyal customer at a time. And in the world of fast-changing consumer behaviour, that patience might just be their biggest competitive advantage.
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