Brand intelligence
Clarks
Clarks is a British footwear company founded in Street, Somerset, in 1825 by brothers Cyrus and James Clark. It grew from sheepskin slippers into industrial shoe production and an international business, while products such as the Wallabee and Nathan Clark's Desert Boot became lasting cultural references. Viva Goods completed its investment and holds a controlling 51 percent interest. Clarks remains a distinct operating company within a wider owner portfolio; Viva Goods consolidated figures, retailer sell-through and product estimates are not presented as Clarks-only revenue unless a disclosure supplies that precise perimeter.
- Founded
- 1825
- Founder
- Cyrus Clark
- Ownership
- Viva Goods Company Limited
- Documented milestones
- 6
- Cyrus Clark — Co-Founder1825–Present · business · current · Clarks
- James Clark — Co-Founder1825–Present · business · current · Clarks
- Nathan Clark — Product Designer1949–1960 · footwear · former · Clarks
- Martine Rose — Guest Creative Director2023–2024 · footwear · former · Clarks
- 1825 — Company foundedCyrus and James Clark establish the business in Street.
- 1828 — Sheepskin slipperEarly offcuts are turned into the Brown Petersburgh slipper.
- 1883 — Factory innovationMechanised production supports wider footwear distribution.
- 1950 — Desert BootNathan Clark's suede-and-crepe boot enters the commercial range.
- 1967 — WallabeeThe moccasin-derived Wallabee is introduced.
- 2021 — Viva investmentThe transaction leading to Viva Goods control is completed.