Who or what is Clarks, and what do they offer?

In 1825, brothers Cyrus and James Clark founded a shop in Somerset, England, to sell sheepskin slippers. This was the beginning of what would become the iconic desert boot.
The company, which started in Britain, has grown into a well-known multinational multi-channel shoe retailer and maker. Clarks sells somewhere about 45 million pairs of shoes and sandals annually for ladies, men and children. Backpacks, cross-body bags, leather bags, and coin purses are also available.

The company has 1,400 locations in 75 countries in the Americas, Asia, and Europe, in addition to its UK-wide reach. It also features a customer-friendly online storefront.

The United Kingdom is home to 500 of its stores and concessions. Over 100 Clarks franchises are located in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, out of a total of 450 worldwide. The Clarks family owns 85% of the business.

Since 2008, Clarks has partnered with UNICEF to create a shoe sharing campaign that has saved over 1,700 tonnes of shoes from the garbage and raised over £1.5 million for UNICEF’s child education programme.

Eighty percent of its stores run on renewable energy, and ninety percent of the leather used in its shoes comes from tanneries with gold, silver, or bronze certifications.

The Leather Working Group was founded by the corporation. This non-profit group evaluates tanners all over the world using the same criteria in an effort to encourage ethical business practises in the leather sector.

What is the business model for a Clarks franchise?

Everything a franchisee needs to open and operate a successful Clarks retail shop is given by the company. After a franchisee’s first location is up and running and meeting the franchisor’s standards, the franchisee has the option of opening additional locations.

In exchange for financial investment, a franchisee gains the ability to do business utilising the Clarks name, infrastructure, and expertise. There is a lot of advertising and public relations for Clarks on a national and local level, and they release new shoe and accessory lines often.

Most of Clarks’ franchise options in the United Kingdom include the sales of existing stores or the transfer of company-owned outlets to franchisee ownership.

How do franchisees of Clarks get trained and supported?

Training for a new franchisee at Clarks’ UK headquarters in Somerset lasts for five days. After that, you’ll get as much as 20 days of on-the-job training. The franchisor provides continuous, individualised training for each franchisee.

Franchisees provide comprehensive training to their employees, and they also provide periodic refresher courses.

Franchisees may rely on Clarks to help them find a great location for their stores. Franchisees may also take use of the company’s expert shop design and installation services. We also offer assistance in marketing and running the business.