Clarks has opened a new store at Santangelo Outlet Village in Italy as it accelerates its expansion across Europe.

The opening forms part of a wider growth strategy spanning retail, wholesale, franchise partnerships and marketplaces, with Clarks targeting between 15 and 20 new European stores this year.

It said the new Italian outlet follows recent openings across Italy, Spain and other European markets.

The expansion comes after Clarks returned to profitability, supported by stronger cost control, improved inventory management and a more competitive pricing strategy.

In 2025, the footwear brand reported operating profit of £66.3m and ended the year with no bank debt, giving it a stronger platform for reinvestment.

Clarks is also building its wholesale business across Europe and the UK.

For autumn/winter 2026, the retailer has added 120 new multi-brand accounts across Europe and the UK, while wholesale orders in Italy are up 55 per cent compared with autumn/winter 2025.

The business is also reshaping its model in key European markets.

In Spain, Clarks has moved to direct management, supported by a new Madrid-based team and showroom, following store openings in Barcelona and Bilbao.

The company said it sees significant opportunity in Spain and is aiming to double the business there within one to two years.

Clarks UK and Europe president Joe Ulloa 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.”

Further store openings are planned in France, Belgium and the UK.

Clarks is also developing its marketplace strategy after launching on platforms including Secret Sales and eBay.

The retailer has also created its own UK marketplace, featuring more than 60 complementary brands.

If successful, the model could be expanded into Europe and the United States in 2027.

The renewed growth push 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 expansion signals a more confident phase for Clarks as it looks to rebuild market share, grow its international presence and make better use of its heritage in key European markets.

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