Meet Hari Krishan Agarwal: Hari Krishan Agarwal, the mastermind behind Campus Activewear, stands as a self-made luminary within the footwear industry. Emerging from modest origins, he has forged a thriving enterprise that has etched its name indelibly in the Indian market. Agarwal’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and unwavering customer satisfaction has been the linchpin of Campus Activewear’s astounding success, serving as a testament to what unwavering passion, determination, and a robust work ethic can achieve.
Agarwal’s entrepreneurial voyage embarked in 1983 when he inaugurated the “Action” sports shoe venture. The brand swiftly gained notoriety, particularly among schoolchildren. Recognizing an untapped niche in the realm of cost-effective, long-lasting footwear within the Indian market, Agarwal saw an opportunity. In 2006, he introduced “Campus” athletic sneakers, priced under Rs 1000. Campus’s affordability positioned it in a head-to-head competition with global giants such as Nike, Adidas, and Puma, whose sports shoes were often priced north of Rs 3000.
Campus Activewear is lauded for its trendy designs, premium materials, and accessible pricing. The brand’s comprehensive range encompasses offerings for men, women, and children, earning fervent favor among college students and young professionals who prize both style and comfort. H. K. Agarwal astutely seized a significant market gap in India, catering to the Rs 1000 to Rs 3000 price segment.
The Evolution of Campus Activewear
Hari Krishan Agarwal established Campus Activewear Ltd in 1983, initially under the Action Footwear brand. In 2006, it metamorphosed into a lifestyle-centric sports and athleisure label, featuring a broad product spectrum tailored to families. Some of the notable milestones along Campus Activewear’s triumphant trajectory include:
Surpassing INR 100 crores in revenue during the fiscal year 2011-2012.
- In 2015, the company bolstered its marketing endeavors by enlisting Varun Dhawan as its brand ambassador.
- In 2017, Campus Activewear expanded its footprint by inaugurating 16 dedicated retail stores and venturing into the e-commerce realm via prominent marketplaces.
- In 2018, investments from TPG Growth and the Havells Group infused further growth and vitality into Campus Activewear.
- Campus Activewear staked a claim to a 15% market share in the footwear industry by value during the fiscal year 2020.
- By the financial year 2021, Campus Activewear had cornered over 85% of the sports and athleisure market.
- Campus’s revenue soared to $95 million in 2020.
- In 2021, Campus Activewear boasted the sale of 13 million pairs, generating a revenue of $94 million.
Campus Activewear’s Present Reach
As per an April 2022 report from a leading consulting firm, Campus Footwear clinched the title of India’s foremost sports and athleisure footwear brand in FY21. In terms of both volume and value, Campus Activewear stands as the largest brand within this category in India, boasting a presence in nearly all states and spanning over 700 cities across the nation. With over 15,000 geographically tagged multi-brand retail outlets and more than 35 company-owned exclusive showrooms, Campus Activewear’s network is expansive.
Notably, Campus Activewear’s products grace the shelves of prominent retailers like Walmart, Vishal Retail, Reliance Smart, and numerous other large-format stores, as well as leading e-commerce platforms. Presently, Campus stands tall as India’s primary choice for sports and casual footwear, retailing a staggering 15 million pairs annually. As of 2022, Campus Activewear boasts a 17% market share in terms of value and an impressive 25% in terms of volume. The brand’s valuation now hovers around a remarkable 1.5 billion dollars, translating to more than 10,000 crore rupees.
Agarwal’s family plays an integral role in managing this colossal footwear enterprise. His son, Nikhil Aggarwal, spearheads the company as its CEO, while his daughter-in-law, Prerna, fulfills the role of Chief Marketing Officer for Campus Activewear. Agarwal’s wife, who served on the company’s board until September 2021, played a pivotal role in bolstering the supply chain operations and fabricator network for Campus’s sports shoes.
