Crocs Inc. has elevated India to a tier-one priority market as it looks beyond metropolitan centres and positions the country as both a long-term growth driver and a strategic supply chain hub.
Anne Mehlman, President of the Crocs brand, stated that India’s importance to the company had risen steadily over the past few years and that growth in the country formed a critical component of its global expansion plan. She described India as the brand’s fastest-growing market and one of six key global markets.
The US-based footwear company reported more than US $ 4 billion in global revenue in 2025, with its international business expanding by 11% in the fourth quarter. Mehlman noted that approximately half of Crocs’ brand revenues originate outside the United States, with India contributing to that international portfolio.
Crocs entered India in 2007 and has expanded its manufacturing base from two factories in 2023 to five at present. Mehlman stated that these facilities serve both the domestic market and 85 international markets. India remains under consideration for further capacity expansion amid ongoing tariff volatility and global sourcing realignments.
She acknowledged that tariffs had affected companies from a US perspective but emphasised that Crocs maintains a well-diversified supply chain. In Asia, the company also operates manufacturing facilities in China, Vietnam and Indonesia.
On the retail front, Crocs operates 300 mono-branded stores in India through partnerships with Apparel Group in the northern and eastern regions and Metro Brands in the southern and western markets. Of these, two stores are company-owned, while the remainder are operated by partners. Mehlman indicated that the company plans to expand its mono-brand retail footprint aggressively.
The company sees significant growth potential in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Mehlman observed that revenue growth from these markets outpaced tier-1 cities last year, and said Crocs would continue expanding its store network in these locations.
Crocs is also prioritising a strong omnichannel presence in India, integrating both online and offline channels. While acknowledging the importance of ecommerce, the company is taking a cautious approach to quick commerce. It previously experimented with the format through a partnership with Swiggy Instamart but is monitoring the channel’s suitability for footwear before committing further.
Traditionally known in India for its colourful rubber clogs popular during the monsoon season, Crocs is working to reposition itself beyond that identity. Mehlman said that 80% of the company’s product lines are global, following an 80–20 mix strategy, and added that India is the brand’s most penetrated market in the sandals category.
