Clarks launches first store in India
UK-based footwear brand Clarks has collaborated with Indian retailer Future Group to launch its first exclusive store at Connaught Place in Delhi.
The joint venture, Clarks Future Footwear (CFF), is planning to open 20 standalone Clarks stores by the end of 2011 and establish itself as a major player in the footwear segment in India in the coming years.
Speaking at the launch, Rakesh Biyani, CEO-Retail, Future Group, said: “We are glad to introduce Clarks in India through a joint venture. We have done extensive research on the Indian footwear market and trends before deciding to bring the brand here.”
S Ramprasad, CEO, CFF, said: “We aim to make world-class shoes available to the Indian consumer, encapsulating the unique brand proposition of Clarks.”
Clarks views India as a key strategic market in its global retail plans. “India is a very important market for us. We have done extensive research in the past years to understand the complex Indian market and have invested substantially with an aim to develop it as a sourcing hub for our global business as well,” said Andrew Martland, director of international development at Clarks International.
The Clarks store will also retail bags and shoe accessories in step with the growing lifestyle demands of urban India.
Headquartered in England, Clarks currently has more than 1,000 shops and around 13,000 employees internationally.
