Kolkata, April 29 (Inditop.com) Footwear retailer Bata India posted a net profit of Rs.14.33 crore for the first quarter (January-March) of 2010 compared to Rs.10.33 crore during the corresponding period last year.

The net profit grew by 38.7 percent.

“This performance is the result of higher sales and profitability due to the expansion in our retail stores, a fantastic shoe line, improved inventory management and great customer service,” Marcelo Villagran, managing director of Bata India Limited, said in a statement here Thursday.

“We will continue with our strategy of expansion in different markets by opening new stores and investing in building our brand,” he added.

The company has over 1,200 Bata Shoe Stores located in over 400 cities across the country.