Written By: Gouri Ghosh

Fitness is becoming increasingly popular throughout India. More individuals are visiting the gyms, engaging in sports, and wearing comfortable sportswear daily, especially beyond the gym. The younger age group particularly enjoys wearing trendy and sporty apparel. This has made it an excellent chance for new entrepreneurs and investors in the sportswear sector. In this guide, we'll teach you how to open a sportswear franchise in India. You'll discover everything you need to, such as how much to invest, which brand to select, how to organize the store, and how to expand your business step-by-step.

Whether you're just starting in franchising or looking to expand with a new store, this blog will guide you in the right direction and assist you in making informed decisions.

Is Sportswear Retail Franchise the Right Fit for You?

Before investing in a sports wear franchise, you need to consider whether this business will fit your abilities, interests, and ambitions.

It's not something you can outsource entirely when you start, particularly if you want it to be successful and gain momentum in the long run.

Things you have to keep in mind:

• You will have to hire and handle employees, salespersons, cashiers, and store managers.
• You need to keep track of inventory, making sure the right products are available in the right sizes, styles, and quantities.
• You must handle customer service issues like exchanges, product queries, and complaints.
• You will need to spend time in the store regularly, especially during the early months.

• You should be comfortable with basic accounting and cash flow management.
• You may develop an interest in learning about sports, fitness, or fashion if you are interested.
• You need to be ready to learn the business of retailing even without any experience.

If you’re serious about owning a business and are ready to put in the time and effort, then a sports shop franchise in India could be a good fit for you

Capital Requirements and Investment Ranges

One of the most important questions is: how much does a sportswear franchise cost?

In India, the cost of the majority of sportswear franchises ranges from ₹25 lakhs to ₹1 crore. For instance:

• Super Sports Franchise Cost – Ranges from approximately ₹30 lakhs, depending on store size
• Sports Station Franchise – Can cost approximately ₹50-60 lakhs, including setup and inventory

Your overall investment will encompass:

Franchise fee

• Store interiors and fittings
• Inventory purchase
• Staff salaries

Marketing and launch promotion

Also, factor in recurring expenses such as rent, wages, and brand royalty. All successful sportswear franchises in India achieve break-even in 1-2 years, depending on the city and traffic.

Selecting thee Ideal Brand: International vs Domestic

Selecting the right brand is the most important step for franchiser who are investing first time in sports wear shop franchise. The brand you select will influence the amount you invest, the popularity of your store, and the level of support you receive in operating the business.

In India, you have options between global brands and Indian brands. Both pose their pros and cons. Let us consider both options to assist you in deciding what's best for your needs and budget.

Global Sportswear Brands

Examples: Nike, Adidas, Puma, Asics

They are international brands already well established and known to customers throughout India.

Pros:

• More customer traffic – These brands generate more foot traffic (traffic) to your store, particularly in malls and high-traffic markets.
• Improved profit margins – You can often make a greater profit per item since these brands command premium prices.

Challenges:

• More investment expense – International brands typically command a larger franchise fee and anticipate a larger setup budget.
• More regulations and protocols – You have to adhere to their store format, pricing, inventory, and promotion guidelines strictly.
• Less agility – You cannot possibly customize your offerings or inventory as per local requirements.

Indian Sportswear Brands

HRX, RedTape, Campus, and Super Sports are some examples

These are Indian businesses that are expanding rapidly within the sportswear industry, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Benefits:

• Less entry price – The overall setup and franchise charges are usually much cheaper than international brands.
• Local demand is strong – Several Indian customers believe and have faith in local brands because of pricing and local styles.
• Simpler support – You'll usually receive faster assistance from the brand team because they're in India.

Challenges:

You might need to spend more on advertising. Because not everyone knows these brands, you'll have to try harder to get people into your store.

Brand image may be limited – In certain markets, local brands won't be as desired as global ones.

Legal, Licensing, and Brand Support

Once you select a brand, legal and paperwork is the next step. 

Legal and Licensing:

• GST Registration
• Trade License from your local municipal authority
• Shops & Establishment license
• Franchise Agreement with the brand

Read the franchise agreement properly. It cover about your rights, obligations, fees, territory, term and others.

Most good brands also assist, including:

• Staff training
• Store design assistance
• Inventory planning
• Launch marketing kits

This brand support will assist you in steering clear of errors and operating your successful sportswear business in India effortlessly.

Marketing, Inventory, and Staff Setup

Marketing

• Utilize local influencers for the store opening
• Post-opening discounts
• Install banners and posters in local gyms or schools

Inventory

• Begin with trendy products: shoes, sports attire, accessories
• Utilize stock management tools to prevent stockpiling
• Rotating stock with seasonal shifts and brand collections

Staffing

• Employ welcoming, intelligent sales staff
• Good staff = happy customers = repeat business

Don't forget, customers prefer a clean, well-run, and welcoming store. That's how the most successful sportswear franchises in India continue to win.

Scaling from 1 Store to a Franchise Portfolio

Once your initial sportswear shop franchise is up and profitable, you might begin to consider opening additional stores. This is referred to as scaling your business expanding from one store to a chain or portfolio of stores.

When Should You Open Additional Stores?

You should wait until you're sure your initial store is stable and successful. 

• Your initial store is profitable – You're consistently bringing in money, and your company is healthy financially.
• You have a capable, reliable store manager – Somebody who will manage day-to-day operations so you can concentrate on growing.
• You know your customers – You see what products are most popular, which times of year are hectic, and how much inventory to keep.

 Waiting until the first one is up and running well makes growth much simpler.

How to Grow Your Franchise Portfolio

The following are some suggestions on how to grow wisely without making the most common mistakes:

• Select heavy-traffic areas – Open new outlets close to malls, health clubs, sports facilities, or high-traffic markets where people buy more sportswear.
• Numerous brands provide discounts or additional assistance when you purchase more than one product.
• Use your profit from your first store – Reinvest your profit to finance your second store, rather than seeking huge loans immediately.
• Grow step by step – Don't attempt to open all stores at the same time. Take them one by one and learn from each new store.

Conclusion

As more people emphasize fitness, sports, and an active life, the need for quality sportswear is increasing year after year.

First, ensure that operating a retail shop aligns with your aspirations and lifestyle. Know the amount of capital you will need to invest, and select a brand within your means and aspirations. You can opt for a global brand or select an Indian brand both are well-favored.

Establish the appropriate legal and brand agreements. Prioritize store marketing, effective inventory planning, and employing trained personnel to offer your customers a quality experience.

As soon as your initial store is profitable and stable, you may consider expansion. Some individuals who began small now have several stores, particularly with reputable names such as the Sports Station Franchise.

There are numerous sportswear shop franchise opportunities in India today. Don't wait too long. Plan your first step towards owning a profitable sportswear business and capitalize on this expanding market in 2025.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.