C.
and J. Clark Ltd. - (en)
C. and J. Clark Ltd., better known as Clarks, is a British shoe
manufacturer with a high street retail operation. The business is based in
Street, Somerset in England. Started in 1825, by Quaker brothers Cyrus and
James, as a business making sheepskin rugs and slippers, using out-workers
in the village, it has expanded to become a global shoe brand, with
operations in the United States, Europe and the Far East and Japan.
For much of the life of the business, the company manufactured its own
shoes in Somerset, building several factories in the area. The company's
Quaker ethos made provision for workers' housing, education and leisure
activities, while its keen social conscience kept Street 'dry' for many
years. Rising costs and low productivity forced production abroad, and
while shoe design is still predominantly done in the United Kingdom,
manufacturing is contracted out to India, China and Vietnam. The Clarks
brand has a reputation for high quality and comfort at a reasonable price.
Clarks shoes have been sold in many UK high street shoe shops including
Freeman, Hardy and Willis.
