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SOLES: The Journey from Old Bangalore to a Global Footwear Phenomenon
SOLES has evolved from a small entrepreneurial venture in the byways of Old Bangalore into a celebrated name in the global footwear industry. Founded by Mr. Ayaz Mahmood, SOLES has become synonymous with elegance, comfort, and sophistication. This detailed exploration will delve into the origins, growth, and transformative journey of SOLES, highlighting how it has revolutionized the women’s footwear market through its commitment to both style and comfort.
The Beginnings: Stiletto and the Birth of SOLES
The genesis of SOLES can be traced back to Mr. Ayaz Mahmood's initial foray into the footwear industry with his brand Stiletto. Launched in the early 2000s, Stiletto made a significant impact on the female footwear market, setting the stage for Mr. Mahmood's future endeavors. The success of Stiletto highlighted a strong market demand for stylish, high-quality footwear, prompting Mr. Mahmood to exit the brand and focus on a new vision.
In 2004, Mr. Mahmood launched SOLES, a brand that promised to merge fashion with functionality. The inception of SOLES was met with enthusiasm, capturing the attention of women across India. The brand's debut was marked by unprecedented sales and an overwhelming response from the public, with lines of women eagerly waiting to purchase their pairs of SOLES. This initial success laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable journey in the footwear industry.
Expansion and Growth
From its humble beginnings, SOLES grew rapidly, capitalizing on its initial market presence to expand significantly. By 2013, the brand had established 16 stores, a testament to its popularity and the strong demand for its products. Between 2004 and 2024, SOLES achieved a remarkable milestone by selling a total of 2 million pairs of footwear. This impressive sales figure reflects the brand's ability to resonate with its audience and maintain a strong market presence.
Ms. Parvin Ayaz, who played a crucial role in the backend operations of SOLES, ensured that the brand's growth was managed efficiently. Her meticulous attention to detail and strategic approach to operations contributed to SOLES’ smooth sailing and continued success.
A New Era: The Impact of Ms. Parvin Ayaz
In 2024, Ms. Parvin Ayaz became the public face of SOLES, bringing a fresh perspective and innovative approach to the brand. Her vision for SOLES was clear: "SOLES is a brand that meets the eyes of consumers through their elegance and sophisticated designs and retains those consumers through the comfort the footwear provides." This philosophy encapsulated a new chapter for SOLES, focusing on enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and comfort of its products.
Under Ms. Ayaz's leadership, SOLES introduced SOLES LUXE, a premium sub-category that provided customers with a more personalized experience. Soles Luxe aimed to blend fashion, comfort, and luxury, providing bespoke footwear solutions that catered to individual preferences. This new direction not only elevated the brand’s status but also expanded its reach by offering a wider range of sizes and customization options.
About Us: The SOLES Philosophy
At its core, SOLES embodies the philosophy of combining comfort with fashion. The brand's slogan, "Comfort meets Fashion," reflects its commitment to creating footwear that not only looks elegant but also feels comfortable. SOLES empowers women to express themselves through their footwear, celebrating femininity with a touch of chic.
SOLES operates under the umbrella of SOLES-LUXE Private Limited, which manages the brand’s concept, designs, rights, and business operations. The brand's dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in its approach to service and quality. SOLES values feedback from its customers and encourages open communication regarding its products, website, and overall customer experience.
The SOLES Experience
Ayaz Mahmood's philosophy that "The way to a woman’s heart is through her soles" is at the heart of SOLES’ design ethos. His approach to creating footwear that "kisses your feet" and "caresses your soles" has resonated with countless women. SOLES has successfully merged glamour with comfort, resulting in products that women adore and cannot resist.
The brand’s diverse collection includes:
The Versatility of SOLES
The women’s footwear industry has evolved to cater to a wide range of needs and preferences. SOLES recognizes this diversity and offers footwear for every occasion, from professional meetings to casual outings and special events. The brand’s ability to adapt to different styles and requirements makes it a go-to choice for women seeking both fashion and functionality.
Future Directions and Innovations
As SOLES continues to grow, the brand remains committed to innovation and customer satisfaction. The introduction of SOLES LUXE is a testament to SOLES’ dedication to enhancing the customer experience and offering personalized solutions. The brand is poised to expand further, with plans to introduce new designs, explore additional markets, and continue its legacy of combining comfort with fashion.
SOLES has transformed from a small venture in Old Bangalore to a leading name in the women’s footwear industry. Founded by Mr. Ayaz Mahmood and further developed under the leadership of Ms. Parvin Ayaz, the brand has successfully combined elegance with comfort, offering a diverse range of footwear for every occasion. With its commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and luxury, SOLES continues to set the standard for stylish and comfortable footwear, empowering women to step out with confidence and grace.
Operations Commenced On 2007
Franchise Commenced On 2018
Investment INR 20lakh - 30lakh
Franchise/Brand Fee INR 500000
Royalty/Commission 6 %
Exclusive territorial rights to a unit franchisee Yes
Performance guarantee to Unit Franchise Yes
Anticipated percentage return on investment 20 %
Likely pay back period of capital for a Unit Franchise 2-3 Months
Other investment requirements NO
Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh
Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha
Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Goa
- NA -
Andaman and Nicobar, Pondicherry, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu
Type of property required for this franchise opportunity Commercial
Floor area requirement 600 - 800 Sq.ft
Preferred location of unit franchise outlet High Streets, Malls, MBO
Detailed operating manuals for franchisees Yes
Franchisee training location Bangalore
Is field assistance available for franchisee ? Yes
Expert guidance from Head Office to franchisee in opening the franchise Yes
Current IT systems will be included in the franchise Yes
Do you have a standard franchise agreement? Yes
How long is the franchise term for? 7 Years
Is the term renewable? Yes
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