Clarks Shoes has had a banner year. Family members who are part of the Clarks enterprise will share a £30million dividend windfall this year, after a truly exceptional showing this year. During 2010, profits jumped above the £100million mark after there was a surge in sales in Europe and America.
International Sales
The company had a 10% rise in sales in the US. Similarly, the Chinese market took off this year, with 20% more shoes being purchased there from the Clarks collection in 2010 than were purchased in 2009.
Largest in the World
Founded in 1825, Clarks is one of the largest shoe retailers in the world and is still 75% owned by the Clark family. Clarks sells around the world, with websites for the EU, France, America, Denmark and beyond. They began in Somerset village of Street with James Clark and his brother Cyrus. Today, their major focus is still in Britain, where they have their largest market. Total sales in England rose 9.2% to £1.28billion.
This most recent windfall will be distributed among 400 family members, although the majority of it will go to a small group led by Lance Clark, as he controls 25% of the company.