Clarks, the iconic British footwear brand with more than 200 years of shoemaking heritage, has opened a new store at Santangelo Outlet Village in Italy, marking the latest step in the brand’s growth strategy across Europe.
The new store follows other recent Clarks openings across Italy, Spain and other European destinations and forms part of a wider European retail expansion plan, with the brand targeting between 15 and 20 new stores in Europe this year.
The expansion comes as Clarks builds on its return to profitability, supported by stronger cost discipline, improved inventory management and a more competitive pricing strategy. In 2025, the business reported operating profit of £66.3 million and ended the year with no bank debt, creating a platform for reinvestment and growth.
Alongside retail expansion, Clarks is strengthening its wholesale presence across Europe and the UK. For Autumn/Winter 2026, the business has begun operating with 120 new multi-brand accounts in Europe and the UK, while wholesale orders in Italy for Autumn/Winter 2026 are up 55% compared with Autumn/Winter 2025.
The brand is also evolving its market model in key European territories. In Spain, Clarks has moved to direct management of the market, supported by a new Madrid-based team and showroom, following the opening of stores in Barcelona and Bilbao. The business sees significant opportunity in Spain, with an ambition to double the business in one to two years
Joe Ulloa, President, UK & Europe at Clarks, said: “The opening of our new store at Santangelo Outlet Village is another important step in our plans to grow Clarks across Europe. Italy is one of our most important European markets, with a strong heritage for the brand and significant opportunity ahead. Across Europe, we are investing in the right stores, strengthening wholesale, building new partnerships and improving the value we offer customers, all while staying true to what Clarks has stood for 200 years: quality, comfort and timeless design. Our focus is on sustainable market share growth, supported by a healthier, more disciplined business that gives us the confidence to reinvest for the future.”
Clarks’ European strategy is focused on growing across multiple channels, including direct retail, wholesale, franchise partnerships and marketplaces. The business has already launched stores in Spain and Italy this year, with further openings planned in France, Belgium and the UK.
The brand is also developing its marketplace proposition, having launched on platforms including Secret Sales and eBay, while creating its own UK marketplace featuring more than 60 complementary brands. If successful, the model could be extended to Europe and the United States in 2027.
Clarks’ renewed growth follows its 200th anniversary year, celebrating two centuries of British craftsmanship, innovation and design. Founded in Somerset, England, in 1825, Clarks is today a global footwear business operating across retail, wholesale, franchise and online channels in more than 100 markets.
