All Clarks articles

Footwear specialist Clarks was founded in 1825 by brothers Cyrus and James Clark in Street, Somerset, where it is headquartered to this day. The retailer is best known for its suede Desert Boots, which was designed by James Clark’s grandson, Nathan, and launched in the 1950s. Until 2020, Clarks was the oldest family-owned business in the UK, but the pandemic forced the Clark family to relinquish control. Private equity firm Lion Rock and Chinese entrepreneur Li Ning wrested control from the founding family, in a deal valuing Clarks at £200m.