Clarks plans up to 20 new European stores as expansion gathers pace

Clarks has opened a new store in Italy as the heritage British footwear brand advances its European expansion plans, with between 15 and 20 new stores set to open across the continent this year.

Its latest store is located at Santangelo Outlet Village, near the city of Pescara in Italy's Abruzzo region. Italy is one of Clarks' most important European markets, and the opening follows recent store launches across Italy and Spain, with further locations planned in France, Belgium and the UK.

In Spain, Clarks has moved to direct management of the market, supported by a new Madrid-based team and showroom. The business has already opened stores in Barcelona and Bilbao and has an ambition to double the Spanish business within one to two years.

The expansion follows Clarks' 200th anniversary year. Founded in Somerset in 1825, the business now operates across retail, wholesale, franchise and online channels in more than 100 markets. 

The growth push is underpinned by the company's return to profitability. In 2025, Clarks reported operating profit of £66.3 million and ended the year with no bank debt, creating what the business describes as "a platform for reinvestment and growth".

Clarks is expanding across direct retail, wholesale, franchise partnerships and marketplaces. For autumn/winter 2026, the business has begun operating with 120 new multi-brand wholesale accounts in Europe and the UK, while wholesale orders in Italy for AW26 are up 55% compared with AW25. 

The brand has also launched on platforms including Secret Sales and eBay, and created its own UK marketplace featuring complementary brands. If successful, that model could be extended to Europe and the United States in 2027.

Further European store openings are expected through the second half of 2026.

Balancing value and full-price retail

The Santangelo opening sits alongside Clarks' first-ever pop-up at Kildare Village in Ireland, which went live in May with a blend of full-price and specially priced styles. Both outlet locations support the brand's stated push on competitive pricing and improved inventory management.

On the full-price side, Clarks will this summer open a flagship store at 522 Oxford Street measuring 2,839 sq ft, with the updated retail identity first introduced at its Tottenham Court Road store last November.

Joe Ulloa, President UK & Europe at Clarks, said: "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. 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."

Recent months have also seen the brand relaunch its 90s Cica football trainer ahead of the FIFA World Cup and introduce Clarks Originals apparel lines including T-shirts, caps and socks.