Introducing Hari Krishan Agarwal, the brilliant mind responsible for the astounding success of Campus Activewear, a footwear brand now valued at over 10,000 Crores. Agarwal’s journey from humble beginnings to industry luminary is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and an unwavering work ethic.
A Journey of Innovation
In 1983, Hari Krishan Agarwal embarked on his entrepreneurial voyage by establishing “Action,” a sports shoe venture that quickly gained recognition, particularly among schoolchildren. Recognizing an untapped niche in the Indian market for cost-effective, long-lasting footwear, he saw an opportunity. In 2006, he launched “Campus” athletic sneakers priced under Rs 1000, challenging global giants like Nike, Adidas, and Puma, known for their higher-priced sports shoes.
The Campus Advantage
Campus Activewear has become synonymous with trendy designs, premium materials, and accessible pricing. The brand offers a comprehensive range for men, women, and children, catering to college students and young professionals who value both style and comfort. Agarwal astutely targeted the Rs 1000 to Rs 3000 price segment, filling a significant market gap in India.
The Evolution of Campus Activewear
- Hari Krishan Agarwal’s journey with Campus Activewear has been marked by several significant milestones:
- Surpassing INR 100 crores in revenue during the fiscal year 2011-2012.
- Enlisting Varun Dhawan as the brand ambassador in 2015 to bolster marketing efforts.
- Expanding the brand’s footprint with 16 dedicated retail stores and venturing into e-commerce in 2017.
- Securing investments from TPG Growth and the Havells Group in 2018, fueling further growth.
- Achieving a 15% market share in the footwear industry by value in 2020.
- Dominating the sports and athleisure market with over 85% share by the financial year 2021.
- Achieving revenue of $95 million in 2020.
- Selling 13 million pairs and generating $94 million in revenue in 2021.
Present Reach and Market Dominance
As of April 2022, Campus Activewear proudly holds the title of India’s leading sports and athleisure footwear brand in FY21. It boasts a presence in nearly every state and spans over 700 cities across the nation, with more than 15,000 geographically tagged multi-brand retail outlets and 35 company-owned showrooms.
Campus products are prominently featured in retail giants such as Walmart, Vishal Retail, and Reliance Smart, as well as leading e-commerce platforms. The brand sells an astonishing 15 million pairs annually, commanding a 17% market share in value and an impressive 25% in volume. Campus Activewear’s current valuation stands at a remarkable 1.5 billion dollars, equivalent to over 10,000 crore rupees.
A Family Legacy
The Agarwal family plays a crucial role in managing this colossal enterprise. Nikhil Aggarwal, Agarwal’s son, serves as the company’s CEO, while his daughter-in-law, Prerna, is the Chief Marketing Officer. Agarwal’s wife, who served on the company’s board until September 2021, played a pivotal role in strengthening the supply chain operations and fabricator network for Campus’s sports shoes.
