Latest news with #Clarks'
Fashion United
7 days ago
- Business
- Fashion United
Clarks returns to Leeds with new flagship store as brand marks 200 Years
British heritage footwear brand Clarks has marked its bicentenary with a strategic return to Leeds city centre, opening a new flagship store at the city's premier shopping destination, Trinity Leeds. The move signals a renewed retail push for the Somerset-based company, as it seeks to reaffirm its presence on high streets across the UK amidst a period of shifting consumer habits and cautious optimism in the retail sector. The new store—positioned within one of the UK's most prominent retail complexes—will stock the full range of Clarks products, including men's, women's, and children's footwear, as the company continues to lean into its legacy of craftsmanship, comfort and innovation. This re-entry into Leeds comes after a period of strategic restructuring and signals a confident step forward for the nearly 200-year-old shoemaker. Clarks' reappearance in Leeds is not merely a symbolic return to bricks-and-mortar, but part of a wider recalibration of its retail footprint under new leadership and private equity ownership. The retailer, which dates back to 1825, has faced a challenging few years marked by store closures, changing ownership structures, and an evolving consumer landscape shaped by e-commerce and post-pandemic behaviours. Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, hailed the return as both a commercial and cultural milestone. 'We're thrilled to welcome Clarks back to Leeds city centre,' he said. 'With its long-standing reputation for quality and comfort, Clarks is a brilliant addition to Trinity's retail offering.' Trinity Leeds, operated by Landsec, continues to invest in experiential and digitally integrated retail concepts as it aims to revitalise high-street footfall and appeal to a broader demographic. Clarks' presence aligns with this strategy, as the retailer looks to blend traditional in-store service with contemporary design and product offerings. Analysts see the move as emblematic of a broader trend: heritage brands leveraging their legacy while refreshing physical retail to meet the expectations of today's consumer. In Clarks' case, this includes a growing focus on sustainability, including more environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes—a theme increasingly important to both Gen Z consumers and institutional investors.
The Courier
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Courier
First look inside Dundee's new Clarks shoe shop
Clarks opened a new shoe shop in Dundee on Friday morning, almost two years after leaving the city. The historic British brand has taken a unit at the Overgate Shopping Centre in Dundee. The upper level space – beside Toytown and opposite Starbucks – was previously occupied by Burger King. The shop displays a range of shoes for men, women and children with a professional measuring service available on appointment. The Courier previously revealed that Clarks would be returning to the city in December. Since then work has taken place to fit out the shop and managers and staff have been recruited. The new shop follows Clarks' shock departure from Dundee in the summer of 2023. Clarks had been in the Murraygate since 1989. At the time the firm said the closure was due to its lease expiring and it had no plans to relocate elsewhere. Its return to Dundee follows the news that Hotel Chocolat will be moving into the Overgate later this year. Overgate manager Malcolm Angus said: 'There has been much interest and excitement about the arrival of this iconic British heritage brand to the centre, with the striking new store showcasing Clarks' highly desirable collections. 'Fans of Clarks can expect the best in design and craftsmanship, along with a number of personalised shopping experiences by expertly trained staff. 'This includes a quiet space for kids and special quiet evenings, as well as fittings outside normal hours for those with special needs. 'We very much look forward to welcoming everyone to this fantastic new retail destination and are confident the new store will prove popular with our customers.' Clarks' story can be traced to 1825 when Cyrus and James Clark made a slipper from sheepskin offcuts. It has retained its ethos of innovation and craftsmanship throughout its long history. Joe Ulloa, general manager for Clarks in the UK & Ireland, was in Dundee to open the new shop. He said: 'Clarks came to the end of its lease on the Murraygate shop which wasn't driving the footfall. 'We are delighted to be opening a new store in Dundee with our franchise partner. 'We always wanted to come back to Dundee – it was trying to find the right unit. We have a requirement for a big stock room in the back. 'Overgate is a thriving shopping centre with many great brands. The shop fit-out started four weeks ago. 'Clarks is looking forward to joining that community and serving our customers in the city.' The new Frasers department store will open at the Overgate in June. It will also contain Sports Direct and USC which are both currently holding closing down sales in their current Overgate units. Meanwhile, Superdrug will expand its current shop into the neighbouring Clintons unit on the ground floor of the centre. Mango is expected to open in the centre in early May.
Fashion Network
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Clarks Originals sets up second annual 'Wallabee Day'
Wallabee Day is back! Big on campaigns and collection launches, footwear brand Clarks Originals has set aside Saturday (26 April) for its annual celebration dedicated to its signature shoe. After all, it said the Wallabee is 'one of the most iconic and culturally significant shoes in footwear history'. This year's celebrations will focus on 'Wallabee's global influence' with a brand campaign, exclusive product drops, and worldwide activations 'that highlight its unique status as an iconic 'blank canvas' shoe embraced by communities and subcultures around the world'. The campaign is inspired by a true story, and the origin of the Wallabee Day date (26 April 1970) when a shipment of 4,176 pairs of Wallabees 'caused chaos' at New York's JFK Airport. It appears customs officers, mistakenly believing they were live animal Wallabies, scrambled to prepare cages, only to be met with boxes filled with Clarks' signature shoe. So the campaign 'bring[s] this legendary mix-up to life', with Wallabee Day 2025 featuring imagery of the shoe placed in wooden shipping crates, complete with faux customs labels. The campaign also champions the signature Maple suede colourway, 'emphasising the Wallabee's classic appeal'. And the event wouldn't be special without the launch of a new version of the shoe with Clarks Originals and Japan brand Needles announcing their first-ever collaboration. The pair have introduced two exclusive Wallabee designs in classic Maple and Black Suede, 'that honour the iconic silhouette with a bold new twist'. The collaboration features a 'playful" strap design, not only for aesthetic appeal but also to enhance comfort and fit, we're told, while a peace symbol, 'representing Needles' distinctive world view', featuring on the buckle and embossed on the heel.
Fashion Network
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Clarks Originals sets up second annual 'Wallabee Day'
Wallabee Day is back! Big on campaigns and collection launches, footwear brand Clarks Originals has set aside Saturday (26 April) for its annual celebration dedicated to its signature shoe. After all, it said the Wallabee is 'one of the most iconic and culturally significant shoes in footwear history'. This year's celebrations will focus on 'Wallabee's global influence' with a brand campaign, exclusive product drops, and worldwide activations 'that highlight its unique status as an iconic 'blank canvas' shoe embraced by communities and subcultures around the world'. The campaign is inspired by a true story, and the origin of the Wallabee Day date (26 April 1970) when a shipment of 4,176 pairs of Wallabees 'caused chaos' at New York's JFK Airport. It appears customs officers, mistakenly believing they were live animal Wallabies, scrambled to prepare cages, only to be met with boxes filled with Clarks' signature shoe. So the campaign 'bring[s] this legendary mix-up to life', with Wallabee Day 2025 featuring imagery of the shoe placed in wooden shipping crates, complete with faux customs labels. The campaign also champions the signature Maple suede colourway, 'emphasising the Wallabee's classic appeal'. And the event wouldn't be special without the launch of a new version of the shoe with Clarks Originals and Japan brand Needles announcing their first-ever collaboration. The pair have introduced two exclusive Wallabee designs in classic Maple and Black Suede, 'that honour the iconic silhouette with a bold new twist'. The collaboration features a 'playful" strap design, not only for aesthetic appeal but also to enhance comfort and fit, we're told, while a peace symbol, 'representing Needles' distinctive world view', featuring on the buckle and embossed on the heel.
Fashion Network
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Clarks Originals sets up second annual 'Wallabee Day'
Wallabee Day is back! Big on campaigns and collection launches, footwear brand Clarks Originals has set aside Saturday (26 April) for its annual celebration dedicated to its signature shoe. After all, it said the Wallabee is 'one of the most iconic and culturally significant shoes in footwear history'. This year's celebrations will focus on 'Wallabee's global influence' with a brand campaign, exclusive product drops, and worldwide activations 'that highlight its unique status as an iconic 'blank canvas' shoe embraced by communities and subcultures around the world'. The campaign is inspired by a true story, and the origin of the Wallabee Day date (26 April 1970) when a shipment of 4,176 pairs of Wallabees 'caused chaos' at New York's JFK Airport. It appears customs officers, mistakenly believing they were live animal Wallabies, scrambled to prepare cages, only to be met with boxes filled with Clarks' signature shoe. So the campaign 'bring[s] this legendary mix-up to life', with Wallabee Day 2025 featuring imagery of the shoe placed in wooden shipping crates, complete with faux customs labels. The campaign also champions the signature Maple suede colourway, 'emphasising the Wallabee's classic appeal'. And the event wouldn't be special without the launch of a new version of the shoe with Clarks Originals and Japan brand Needles announcing their first-ever collaboration. The pair have introduced two exclusive Wallabee designs in classic Maple and Black Suede, 'that honour the iconic silhouette with a bold new twist'. The collaboration features a 'playful" strap design, not only for aesthetic appeal but also to enhance comfort and fit, we're told, while a peace symbol, 'representing Needles' distinctive world view', featuring on the buckle and embossed on the heel.
