Clarks Launches Online Marketplace Featuring Nike and Adidas in Historic Shift
The historic Somerset-based footwear giant Clarks has launched an online marketplace called 'Brands now at Clarks' on its website, selling rival brands such as Nike and Adidas for the first time in its 200-year history. This venture represents a major strategic shift for the company as it seeks to diversify its offerings beyond shoes in an increasingly challenging retail environment.
A New Chapter for Clarks
Founded in 1825 by brothers Cyrus and James Clark, Clarks has been a staple on the UK high street for nearly two centuries. Today, the company is a global brand, selling over 40 million pairs of shoes annually and operating more than 1,100 stores worldwide. However, the business has faced significant challenges in recent years due to changing shopping habits and a decline in footfall at physical stores, with consumers increasingly turning to online shopping. Last year, Clarks was forced to cut more than 1,200 jobs as sales plummeted by nearly £100 million.
In response to these challenges, Clarks has launched 'Brands now at Clarks,' an online marketplace that features more than 100 brands, including major global labels like Adidas and Nike, as well as other lifestyle products such as clothing and accessories. This move allows Clarks to offer a broader shopping experience while staying true to its heritage of premium quality, comfort, and value.
Expanding the Portfolio
The new marketplace brings together a portfolio of high-end brands, including Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, and Marc Jacobs. Additionally, a number of other labels are set to join the website in the coming weeks, such as Armani Exchange, Emporio Armani, Gant, Lacoste, Moose Knuckles, Napapijri, Rains, Timberland, and Woolrich. This expansion is part of Clarks' effort to adapt to the evolving retail landscape and meet the diverse needs of modern consumers.
Joe Ulloa, vice-president UK & EMEA at Clarks, commented on the launch, stating, "From the outset, it was essential that every brand partner reflected the values that have defined Clarks for over 200 years - premium quality, comfort and value. Brands now at Clarks represent an exciting new chapter for us. It allows us to offer a broader shopping experience, while staying true to the heritage and trust we’ve built."
Preserving Heritage Amid Change
Despite this new direction, Clarks continues to honor its rich history. In September, the company opened a museum in Street, Somerset, showcasing 200 years of shoemaking. The museum features hundreds of never-before-seen objects, ranging from sheepskin slippers and desert boots to school shoes and Britpop stagewear, highlighting the brand's enduring legacy in the footwear industry.
As Clarks navigates this transformative period, the launch of 'Brands now at Clarks' underscores the company's commitment to innovation and adaptation in a competitive market. By integrating rival brands and expanding its product range, Clarks aims to strengthen its position and appeal to a wider audience, ensuring its relevance for years to come.
