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  • Clarks Takes a Giant Step: Launches First Cloudsteppers Concept Store in Malaysia

    Clarks Takes a Giant Step: Launches First Cloudsteppers Concept Store in Malaysia

    British-based shoe company, Clarks, is set on opening its first-ever Cloudsteppers concept stores in Malaysia, marking a key element in its ongoing worldwide expansion strategy. This decision aligns with Clarks’ efforts to emphasize their new comfort-focused Cloudsteppers collection, which includes a comprehensive range of sneakers, sandals, and casual boots slated for launch next year.

    The company is initiating its move by launching three standalone concept stores within this month. The first of these opened its doors in Shah Alam yesterday, while the second is lined up for a grand opening in Kuala Lumpur later this week. The opening of a third store, scheduled to be located in the United States, will follow.

    Clarks is projected to establish at least ten new outlets across Southeast Asia and the U.S. within the following year. The company sees this landmark as an indication of its robust global business momentum. Over the past year, Clarks has been actively growing its footprint in retail and digital markets worldwide, with multiple store inaugurations and fruitful collaborations with various marketplace partners.

    In addition, Clarks revealed their new stores will carry a wider array of lifestyle essentials such as t-shirts, hoodies, socks, caps, and bags. This move comes as a result of the Cloudsteppers collection’s forthcoming transition into lifestyle offerings and expansion beyond footwear, thus making room for popular athleisure items.

    Clarks’ General Manager for Southeast Asia, Raymond Chew, expressed his belief that Southeast Asia is the ideal market for the Cloudsteppers lifestyle venture. He explained, “With Southeast Asia’s warmer climate and love for comfort-led footwear and apparel, it’s a perfect match.” He further added that the new store offers a unique and fresh experience to the market, describing it as modern, relaxed, and truly lifestyle-oriented. The company describes the store ambiance as “calm.”

    Questions & Answers

    What is Clarks’ new expansion initiative?
    Clarks is opening its first-ever Cloudsteppers concept stores in Malaysia as part of its global expansion strategy. The new stores will carry a comprehensive range of sneakers, sandals, and casual boots alongside lifestyle essentials like t-shirts, hoodies, socks, caps, and bags.

    Where are these new stores going to be located?
    The first three concept stores are being launched in Shah Alam, Kuala Lumpur, and the United States. Subsequently, Clarks plans to open at least ten more locations across Southeast Asia and the U.S.

    Why does Clarks see Southeast Asia as an ideal market for its expansion?
    The company believes that Southeast Asia’s warmer climate and the locale’s preference for comfort-led footwear and apparel make it a perfect match for the new Cloudsteppers concept stores.

  • Li Ning ready to buy Clarks footwear

    Li Ning ready to buy Clarks footwear

    Li Ning, the gymnast-entrepreneur who lit the Olympic flame during China’s 2008 Games, has bought control of one of Britain’s oldest shoe producers, extending the global shopping spree by Chinese companies for famous international brands. Viva China Holdings, the sports talent agency founded by Li, has agreed to pay £51 million (US$69.7 million) for 51 percent of LionRock Capital Partners QiLe Limited, the private equity firm which will own the Clarks brand, according to a filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange. The investment would give Viva China control of Clarks when LionRock completes its £100 million investment to recapitalize Clarks. Li is the non-executive chairman of LionRock.

    Based in the same village in south-western England’s Somerset county for nearly two centuries since its establishment in 1825, Clarks’ business has struggled along with the global retailing industry, as the raging coronavirus pandemic kept staff from workshops and sapped the appetite for consumption. The retailer, operating 320 stores in the UK alone, had to cut 900 jobs last May out of a global workforce of 13,000, after reporting a 2019 loss of £83 million. The company warned of deteriorating performance in 2020.

    “The challenges to our business brought on by Covid-19 have meant that we need more resources and investment to fully deliver [Clarks’] strategy and safeguard the future of our business,” said the shoemaker’s chief executive Giorgio Presca in November. “The new partnership with LionRock will provide this as well as the expertise to grow the Clarks brand in China, which remains a primary opportunity.”

    Li’s purchase of Clarks follows the acquisitions of dozens of global sports brands by Anta Sports, Xtep, and 361 Degrees International, which make up China’s four largest sportswear producers along with Li’s eponymous brand.

    Anta’s brands cover Fila, and Japan’s Descente, as well as an investment in the Finnish company Amer, which owns multiple brands, from Atomic skis to Salomon snowboards, Arc’teryx outdoor gear to Mavic bicycle wheels and Suunto sports watches.

    Xtep’s stable of brands now includes the hiking brand Merrell, leisure brand Hush Puppies, and running specialist Saucony, as well as the leisure brands K-Swiss, Palladium, and Supra.

    “Clarks is one of the world‘s most recognized consumer names,” LionRock’s founder and managing director Daniel Tseung said in November. “Our investment will not only strengthen Clarks’ position as one of the world’s most recognized brands but also allow growth into key emerging markets.

    Li owns a 92.91 percent of Viva China, which was established in 2009, according to its interim report for 2020.

    The price tag for Clarks would be set off against an equivalent amount of £54 million that Viva China lent to LionRock Capital last September, according to the statement on Friday.

    Shares of Viva China fell by 1.5 percent to HK$0.65 in Hong Kong after the announcement.

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  • Hong Kong investor eyes Clarks stake

    Hong Kong investor eyes Clarks stake

    Clarks has reportedly seen a Hong Kong-based investor join the list of bidders interested in a majority stake in the retailer, as it seeks to refinance amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Private equity firm Lion Rock is one of two remaining bidders for the 195-year-old footwear retailer. If the deal goes ahead, it could end two centuries of majority family ownership at Clarks. Discussions about a deal are expected to conclude in the next month and are said to include a rival bid from Alteri Investors.

    Moreover, the Clark family is likely to retain an equity stake in the business, which may be reduced to less than 50 percent – depending on the discussions.

    Clarks first revealed discussions about a share sale back in May, with around £100 million and £150 million likely to be injected into the business as part of any deal. The company’s chief executive Giorgio Presca said at the time that its new strategy ‘Made to Last’ will aim to transform it amid the pandemic.

    Clarks said at the time that the strategy will result in 900 job losses and 200 new roles. The retailer said it is “currently reviewing options to best position our business, our people and the Clarks brand for future long-term growth”. A string of accountancy firms is working on a restructuring of Clarks as it continues to struggle with trading amid the pandemic.

    The chain’s family shareholders have drafted in KPMG to advise them, while Deloitte has been hired by the management team. PwC had been appointed by a syndicate of the footwear chain’s lenders as they assess the Covid-19 impact on its prospects. Meanwhile, investment bank Rothschild is also advising the company.

    Clarks trades from about 345 stores in the UK, employing thousands of people, but has denied that it will be exploring a CVA. The retailer has furloughed thousands of its store staff under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

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  • Shoe retailer Clarks to cull management ranks worldwide

    Shoe retailer Clarks to cull management ranks worldwide

    Clarks, the UK-based shoe retailer, will cull the ranks of its corporate staff by a net 700 people worldwide, including in Asia during the next 18 months.

    In all, 900 jobs will be lost, the first 160 of which were announced in the UK this week. However by the end of the restructuring process, about 200 new roles will have been created.

    Stung by falling sales even before the Covid-19 crisis, Clarks last month announced an unspecified number of store closures in the UK in a move to right-size the business for a post-pandemic era.

    The job cuts and store closures are all part of a turnaround strategy dubbed Made to Last, unveiled at the end of last year and intended to reposition the 195-year-old company to trade into its third century of trading.

    CEO Giorgio Presca described some of the decisions as “difficult” but said the opportunities they would open up are exciting.

    “We thank all affected staff for their contribution to our business and they leave their roles with our heartfelt respect and support.”

    Most Clarks stores globally have been closed for weeks during the Covid-19 pandemic, however, those in China and parts of Europe are progressively reopening.

    Besides the behind-the-scenes restructure of the group, management are overseeing a refocusing of the brand to reflect its heritage and underline its relevance in today’s market.

    The turnaround strategy also includes exploiting the brand’s potential and leveraging its heritage and consumer relevance in today’s market. That includes embracing sustainability, quality, design and product innovation.

    “We are a business that walks its own path, and we are evolving to put our brand and consumers at the heart of everything we do,” said Presca.

    “This will ensure that our organization is made to last, empowering our people to contribute to a great future for the company.”

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  • Clarks to permanently shut stores as it weighs survival options

    Clarks to permanently shut stores as it weighs survival options

    Footwear retailer Clarks has elected to close some of its UK stores permanently once the current government lockdown on businesses in response to the coronavirus pandemic is lifted.

    The decision is an effort to survive the hit to its business as the virus keeps consumers at home and has curbed consumer spending. It will affect what the company described as “a small number” of the chain’s 347 outlets in the territory, with the performance and location of each of these outlets now under close scrutiny.

    Clarks has also reportedly drafted in investment bank Rothschild to assist it in its financing options and flesh out a turnaround plan for after the pandemic passes

    Many of the firm’s sales staff are now furloughed at home with their employment secured by the government’s recently introduced job retention scheme.

  • Clarks opens first dual concept store

    Clarks opens first dual concept store

    Footwear retailer Clarks has opened its first dual concept store at Suntec City Singapore.

    The store showcases Clarks casual footwear products on one side and Cloudsteppers line, which targets Millennial and GenZ consumers, on the other.

    The store marks what Clarks’ management describe as a “milestone of the retail transformation initiated in Southeast Asia”.

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  • Fashion to contribute Rs 70,000 crore to revenue in 7 years: Future Group India

    Fashion to contribute Rs 70,000 crore to revenue in 7 years: Future Group India

    Kishore Biyani, Chairman, Future Group says his company is planning to step up its focus on men’s footwear retail since the category is becoming an important accessory for the Indian consumer. According to Biyani, footwear today is no longer category defined for just women. It’s equally important for men – almost as important as buying trousers. With brands like Koovs, Lee Cooper, Clarks, Converse under one roof, Future Group claims to be the number two footwear retailer in India.

    “We aim to be number one footwear retailer in India,” he says, adding, “Men are equally inclined towards buying footwear and on an average have at least 20 pairs to go with different trousers. This is the reason why we are expecting footwear to contribute approximately 18 percent to the overall revenue, an increase from the current 11 percent,” he says.

    “We are expecting the share of footwear to increase from Rs 1,600 crore to Rs 2,500 crore by next year and we aim to be the number one footwear retailer in the country very soon,” he adds at the re-launch of Central at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj. The contribution of private labels to the group’s revenue is around 40 percent presently.

    At Central, Hyderabad, the footwear section spans across 30,000 sq. ft. and even in Central, Vasant Kunj, footwear occupies a major space covering 15,000 sq. ft. Area.

    Exploring Central Vasant Kunj

    The re-launched Central Vasant Kunj, spanning across 44,000 sq.ft area, is a high-definition store offering luxury experiences while keeping the price of the products at masstige level.

    “Many online brands like Koovs, Craftsvilla have come offline with us. We are expecting an average ticket size of Rs 4,000 here and plan to take this up to Rs 8,000,” Biyani states.

    With state-of-the-art décor, minimalistic fixtures and an aspirational fashion boutique feel, Central aims to provide a delightful shopping experience to its customers right from the time they enter the store to the time they reach the billing section. The space has subtle displays that compliments the store design and aesthetics. The store is designed and specialized to offer an enhanced and a more customized service to shoppers as per international standards.

    The outlet showcases a premium mix of national and international brands in various categories like Men’s and Ladies Formal Wear, Casual Wear, Ethnic Wear, Cosmetics, Fragrances, Handbags, Watches, Men’s and Ladies Footwear, Toys, Kids Apparel, Lingerie and more. From brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Gucci, FCUK to acclaimed designer like Micheal Kors, Giorgio Armani, Ferragamo, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Central serves as the one stop shop for fashion-conscious customers of the capital.

    Central, which has at present no plans to go Omnichannel, has always believed in redefining the fashion and lifestyle retailing concept in India. Offering world class designs, with over 500 brands displayed in high definition and latest trends, the stores offer an enhanced and a more customized service to customers as per international standards.

    According to Vishnu Prasad, CEO, Central, “Every brand and its products have their own story to connect with customers and indulge in the latest in fashion. We also have exclusive brands in store resulting in a new and improved shopping experience.”

    “We intend to make next-gen Centrals ‘experience-savvy’ stores rather than ‘tech-savvy’ stores, s all services and features that we are offering will be in that direction,” he adds.

    Highlighting the services that set Central apart from others, Prasad says, “We have features like WhatsApp shopping – i.e. if a shopper likes something in our store but is not sure about the purchase, we can reserve the product for them and they can Whatsapp us once they have made up their mind to buy and we deliver the item to their doorstep.”

    Loyalty, cashback, wallets and HD services are some areas where Central has been focussing and has seen better results with technological advancements.

    “With the help of technological advancements, we have observed a hike in business contribution from loyal customers and payment wallets to overall customers,” Prasad says, adding, “A few other features that we offer at Central include priority billing counters for our customers, introduction of many unique services like automated wheel chairs in store for special customers.”

    Currently, the company is operating 44 Central stores in large cities (including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune) and some in smaller cities such as Indore, Patna, Baroda and Surat.

    “We shall be touching 50 stores in just a few months from now,” says Prasad. “Our focus is towards nurturing and identifying the relationship with loyal patrons along with using digital wallets and digital medium as an overall means to enhance the formats footprints,” he adds.

    At present, Future Group – which is selling 30 crore garments annually – occupies a 35 percent market share in the fashion segment.

    “We are expecting fashion to contribute Rs 70,000 core to the company revenue in the next seven years,” says Kishore Biyani.

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  • Clarks Shoes new store design showcased in Singapore store

    Clarks Shoes new store design showcased in Singapore store

    Singapore’s first Clarks Pure concept store opened its doors today, described as “a classic, understated and uncluttered retail space which reflects the brand’s history and modern spirit”. The new Clarks Singapore store is located in the Ion Orchard shopping centre. It is the first Pure store to be opened by the footwear brand in Southeast Asia and follows successful launches in Manchester and Glasgow, in the UK.

    Guillaume Nagy, president SEA & Oceania, at Clarks, said the store is designed to breath a new personality into the brand. It will be rolled out in other Southeast Asian markets during coming months.

    “We want to offer this elevated brand experience with the Pure store design,” said Nagy. “Singapore has an incredibly dynamic retail environment and we know the extension of Pure to Ion Orchard will be well received by existing and potential consumers. It is the first retail initial initiative of many to be implemented in the city state, turning Singapore into our flagship market and a centre of excellence for the region”

    Nagy said the focus of the store design was to make the shoe the star and to tell immersive stories that resonate with consumers.

    “Pure helps us achieve both in a way that is authentic to Clarks.”

    The new Clarks Singapore store features classic leather buttonback seats on birch floors and soothing neutral colours. It uses natural materials such as oak and timber to build on the themes of simplicity and honesty.

    Light boxes and opal resin podiums create a gallery-like display space for the collections. Brand and campaign imagery are displayed within the store for enhanced storytelling, while large-scale lightboxes draw consumers in and communicate key brand messages.

    The concept was designed by Stiff & Trevillion, whose spokesperson said Pure was chosen as the concept because it links to honesty.

    “Clarks uses honest design and materials in its shoes and we wanted the store design to reflect that through the use of natural materials and truthful lighting.”

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  • Clarks Kids teams with Avengers

    Clarks Kids teams with Avengers

    Global shoe brand Clarks has stepped out of its usual comfort zone with a range inspired by Marvel’s movie Avengers: Infinity War.

    The Clarks Kids range is described as “an exclusive multi-gender collection” (Yes, we are still wondering how many genders kids relate to, also) that “celebrates strength in unity”.

    Avengers Infinity War launched worldwide on April 27 and is set to be one of the year’s top-grossing movies.

    The Clarks Kids line was released on Friday.

    “Like every kid on the planet, the Avengers all have very different and distinct identities,” explains Jason Beckley, Clarks chief brand officer. “When they join forces, their strengths combine, and they become Earth’s mightiest team of heroes.”

    Beckley says the campaign – Greater Together – aims to encourage kids to celebrate their strengths and abilities and to stand together as one: “empowering them to be fearless, to believe in themselves, and always to support each other through strength in unity”.

    “Kids have the power to change the world. In our view, they are all superheroes. So, what better way to celebrate that than joining forces with Marvel.

    “We follow science and data to support the tradition of putting growing feet in safe hands. Combine that with collaborated passion, imagination and expertise, and you get an innovative footwear collection that provides kids with the freedom to be their true selves.”

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  • Takashimaya Vietnam opens doors

    Takashimaya Vietnam opens doors

    Three years after the Japanese luxury department store chain announced plans to enter Saigon, Takashimaya Vietnam opened its doors at the weekend.

    As the anchor tenant of  downtown Ho Chi Minh City’s Saigon Center, Takashimaya takes up a whole five floors making it by far the nation’s largest department store – and likely its most expensive.

    The first impression that the department store makes is its spacious interior. Concessions to brands have been arranged to leave unusually wide aisles – ensuring the store was comfortable even on its crowded grand opening day.

    Takashimaya Vietnam - interior

     The central atrium of the expanded Saigon Center featuring Takashimaya’s first Vietnam store.

    The first floor of Takashimaya houses the food maison, most of which is filled by Japanese F&B brands such as Minamoto Kitchoan, Gyumaru, Azabu Sabo, Yamazaki and Suizan. Some tea brands make their way into that space, including Vietnam’s own Phuc Long, Singapore’s TWG tea, and B Tea.

    Targeting the high class consumers in Saigon and Vietnam, Takashimaya has chosen carefully the brands to appear in their stores, including luxury brands coming to Vietnam the first time, complemented by the high level of customer service Takashimaya offers elsewhere in the world.

    Takashimaya Vietnam

    The second floor is exclusively for ladies with international fashion names such as Banana Republic, Bebe, Bonia, Braun Buffel; footwear from Clarks, Geox, Cole Haan; bags from Carlo Rino, Cromia; and Furla with its first flagship in Vietnam after years being distributed by Ha Vang company.

    The rest space is occupied by cosmetics brands, including Korean labels Skinfood, which marked the store’s opening with a special event ‘Makeup Style for Your Summer’.

    Takashimaya Vietnam - Skinfood

    “We offer free makeup and manicure for our customers for two days. Besides, when they buy our products, they will receive a gift set,” said Kieu Oanh, senior PR & marketing executive of Skinfood Vietnam.

    For women, the excitement continues on the next level of Takashimaya: a heaven of luxury cosmetics, jewelleries and fragrances. Christian Dior is prominently located at the front, with rival Lancome opposite. Lancome also opened its own ‘Lancome Cafe’ – a style boutique, where women can take free makeup lessons and receive gifts for the best ‘artwork’.

    Takashimaya Vietnam - Lancome

    Other brands include Bobbi Brown, Shiseido, Estee Lauder, Swarovski, and Mac.

    Takashimaya Vietnam - Yves Rocher

    The next floor features international fashion and cosmetics brands including Diane von Furstenberg, Hugo, Versace and Paul & Shark, along with restaurants and cafes. This level has a rest space with some chairs for visitors arranged around a huge grey pillar.

    Takashimaya Vietnam - Diane von Furstenberg

    Local luxury multibrand retailer Runway comes back after closing its store in Vincom Center in March. As usual, it has a large space in the center, gathering all women’s favourite brands with modern and elegant designs.

    Takashimaya Vietnam - Runway

     The new Runway store replaces the local multi-label luxury brand’s previous space at Vincom. 

    Another highlight is the ready-to-launch space of women handbags Kate Spade New York. That outlet is expected to open soon.

    Takashimaya Vietnam - Kate Spade

    Coming soon: Kate Spade.

    The last level of Takashimaya is filled with men’s fashion and casual wear and children’s clothing and toys. Tommy Hilfiger has the largest outlet here, opposite the first authentic Fred Perry store.

     

    With more than 180 years of experience and US$290 million investment, it is expected that Takashimaya will not only take Vietnamese shopping to a higher level but also mark a turning point for economic development and quality retail in Vietnam.

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  • Taiwan-based Shoemaker Set to Expand Factory in Indonesia

    Taiwan-based Shoemaker Set to Expand Factory in Indonesia

    A Taiwan-based sports shoes manufacturer has expressed its interest to expand its business in Indonesia. The company, who has had a factory in Tangerang since 1996 with 1,100 workers, will expand and is expected to absorb up to 10,000 workers.

    The Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) chairman Franky Sibarani has welcomed the planned expansion. “It’s very positive to help to create employment and optimize investment benefits in a bid to improve people’s welfare,” he said in an official statement as quoted by Bisnis.com, Tuesday, July 12, 2016.

    The BKPM chairman said that the company has picked Majalengka District as one of the possible location for its expansion. The company will expand its factory and also bring along some of its suppliers as part of its supply chain.

    Franky sees it as a positive move amid the government’s effort to make Indonesia as a supply chain hub of products being marketed in Southeast Asia and Asia.

    “We will certainly support labor intensive industries who have set their sight on Indonesia as their production base,” he explained.

    BKPM data shows that investment realization from Taiwan throughout 2015 stood at US$107.95 million, consisted of 275 projects and was ranked 15th in the list of countries investing in Indonesia. Meanwhile, in February 2016 that Taiwan’s outward investment to Indonesia was ranked seventh with a total investment of US$1.5 billion.

    Taiwan’s investment is expected to help achieve the target of 2016 investment realization of Rp594.8 trillion, particularly from foreign investment which is set at Rp386 trillion, or 65% of the targeted total investment realization.

  • Clarks retailer S Culture ends year in the red

    Clarks retailer S Culture ends year in the red

    Clarks shoe brand retailer, S Culture has announced a loss for the year and will not pay a dividend.

    Chairman Chong Hot Hoi described 2015 as the worst year for Hong Kong retail sales since  2002, driven by the fall in big spending tourists from the mainland and weak domestic consumer spending.

    S Culture recorded a same-stores sales decline of 6.6 per cent and a net loss of HK$16.4 million for the year. Chong said the opening of new retail outlets during 2014 and early 2015 contributed to the loss, as they were yet to break even under the unfavourable atmosphere of the retail market during the year.

    S Culture sells shoes under the Clarks, Josef Seibel, Petite Jolie and The Flexx retail brands in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan. It flagged a looming loss in a profit warning issued in early July.

    But despite 2015 being a year to forget, the company is optimistic about 2016.

    “Hong Kong is bracing for greater economic challenges as the prospective interest rate increase shall induce capital outflows that could pressure Hong Kong as the Asian financial hub at a time when China’s economy is growing at its slowest pace in the past 25 years,” said Chong in the company’s trading announcement.

    “Looking ahead, the near-term outlook for retail sales will still be constrained by the weak performance of inbound tourism as cited by the government. We would also watch closely the impact from dimmer global economic prospects amid US interest rate normalisation. To this end, we had been imposing measures and applying more flexible operating tactics in order to minimise such effects to our operations as a whole. In the meantime, while there had been signs

    that the general operating costs, such as market rental level, were declining, we were still cautious about the other operating costs such as staffing and utilities as their nature was downward sticky,” he said.

    “Despite the above, we still remain positive and maintain our belief in our business. While we are still experiencing unfavorable market drivers in the local retail market, we are still confident that the group would be poised to be highly attentive to the changes in the retail market and apply the appropriate strategies to tackle the existing challenges and keep our pace for steady development, especially in the mainland. We still hold the same view about mainland consumer market and continue with our strategy to increase our presence in the mainland.”

    S Culture has now expanded into the cities of Shanghai, Qinhuangdao, Haikou, Qingdao, Songyuan, Zhengzhou, Harbin, Luoyang, Dandong and Beijing through collaborating with the local retailers and operates four company-owned stores with its brands well-received in the mainland, Josef Seibel and The Flexx.

    “We expect to increase our market share in the Mainland by utilising both on- and off-line channels whichever is more effective in the case.”

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  • Sports fashion demand drives Stella sales

    Sports fashion demand drives Stella sales

    Shoe marketer Stella International has reported increased sales in the second quarter on the back of growing demand for sports fashion footwear.

    In the three months to September 30, consolidated revenue from its China retail business and its manufacturing operations amounted to US$569 million, up 4.3 per cent year on year. For the nine months to September 30, revenues totalled US$1.366 billion, an increase of 7.9 per cent.

    “Looking forward, the group expects orders for the group’s footwear products will pick up further towards the end of this year and the beginning of 2016, as its customers continue to expand their global presence and as demand for sports fashion footwear continues to grow,” the company said in a stock exchange filing.

    “Order levels will also be supported by greater efficiency and improved utilisation at the group’s production facilities in inland China and Southeast Asia.

    “The group cautiously expects shipment volumes to reach 58 million pairs by the end of 2015.”

    Stella produces shoes for brands including Clarks, Deckers, Ecco, Rockport, Timberland, Wolverine, Cole Haan, Guess, Jones Group, Kenneth Cole and Michael Kors. It also designs, develops and manufactures footwear for high-fashion brands including Alejandro Ingelmo, Alexander Wang, Armani, Bally, Balmain, Brian Atwood, Givenchy, Kenzo, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marciano, Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Prada, Sigerson Morrison, Via Spiga and Y3.

    And taking advantage of its manufacturing expertise, the wide acceptance of Stella’s products by brand customers, the company has successfully expanded into the Chinese and global footwear retail market through its own brands Stella Luna, What For, JKJY by Stella and joint-venture brand, Pierre Balmain.

    Stella says it will continue to implement strict cost controls and efficiency improvement measures to preserve its profitability. This includes placing a renewed focus on leveraging its competitive strengths to pursue new promising product segments, such as sports fashion footwear.

    “The group also remains committed to building the long-term competitiveness of its retail business with the opening of new standalone stores and shops-in-shops in quality locations. It will also continue to boost its branding efforts in Europe to further grow the value of its brands among Chinese consumers.”

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  • Future Group opens London design studio

    Future Group opens London design studio

    Future Group subsidiary Lifestyle Fashions has opened a design studio in London, which it describes as “the fashion capital of the world”.

    The studio will “infuse the company’s brands with global designs, trends and sourcing capabilities and also curate a globally-inspired fast fashion brand for the Indian market,” the company said in a statement.

    Located in Victoria, London, the Design Studio houses an international team of designers and merchandising experts. London’s Victoria district has emerged as the new fashion hub of the city. Tom Ford and Burberry have their headquarters in the suburb and Future Lifestyle Fashions’s neighbours will include Victoria’s Secret, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Moet Hennessy, Richemont and Jimmy Choo.

    “As part of this vibrant fashion ecosystem, Design Studio will tap into global talent and  networks for identifying trends, fashion design and sourcing of materials and merchandise that will fuel its fast fashion brand,” the company said.

    “Its first collection will be launched in Spring‐Summer 2016.”

    Future Lifestyle Fashions MD Kishore Biyani said Indian fashion is evolving at a rapid pace and incorporating global trends and sensibilities.

    “Women in India today shop for fresh fashion eight to 10 times in a year. Our Design Studio in London will develop a fast fashion brand that responds to these needs and infuse our brands with global sensibilities and innovation in design and sourcing.”

    The Design Studio is led by Manjula Tiwari who joined Future Group from Jabong earlier this year. Tiwari has more than two decades of experience in the fashion industry and was previously involved in introducing global brands such as Esprit and United Colors of Benetton in India. The design team in London will be led by Ainsley Dart, who has been instrumental in directing and leading large design teams of multi product, fast fashion women’s wear for global retail brands and major suppliers such as Courtalds and Dewhirst.

    Future Lifestyle Fashion markets leading international and domestic brands such as Lee Cooper, Converse, Indigo Nation, Scullers, Daniel Hechter, Giovanni, Urbana, John Miller, Jealous 21, aLL, UMM, RIG, Champion and Umbro, which are retailed through the company‐owned department store network, Central, other retail chains such as Planet Sports and Brand Factory. Most of these brands are also available at exclusive brand outlets, other department stores and fashion chains across India.

    The company also has investments in fast growing fashion brands such as Tresmode, Mineral, Desibelle, Mother Earth, Pepperone, Famozi and Turtle, and operates joint ventures with Hidesign and Clarks. With more than two dozen brands and 5 million sqft of retail space, Future Lifestyle Fashions aims to develop a globally benchmarked fashion business here in India.

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  • Clarks steps up in Asia

    Clarks steps up in Asia

    British footwear brand Clarks says it sees Asia Pacific growth as a “a key strategic focus” for the company.

    The 190 year old, £1.5 billion business, plans to open 100 stores in the region in the next 12 months.

    “As we celebrate a significant birthday, we are as nimble and entrepreneurial as ever and poised for growth,” said Nancy Huang, president of Clarks Asia Pacific.

    “We see great future potential for further expansion and are excited about the possibilities.”

    Clarks, which operates through retail, wholesale, franchise and online channels has a presence in 130 markets worldwide and has been in Asia for 20 years.

    It has a strong footprint in China with 600 points of sale and hundreds of stores across Asia including the markets of India, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

    Huang says Clarks’ strong British heritage and reputation for craftsmanship has widely appealed to Asia’s rising middle class. In recent years, the company has invested heavily in building infrastructure, people resources and capabilities in Asia Pacific to support a rapidly expanding set of markets.

    The company will also invest “heavily” in reinvigorating key existing stores in China, Japan and Singapore.

    C&J Clark Limited, owners of the Clarks brand, the privately owned footwear business, was founded in Street, Somerset in the UK by the Clark family in 1825. Still based in Street, the Clarks Group designs, develops and sells a wide range of footwear and accessories for men, women and children. The Clarks brand is renowned worldwide for quality and style with comfort.

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