Clarks Invests in Middle East Expansion
Clarks sees potential in the Middle East’s consumer market.
The British footwear brand formed a strategic alliance with fashion and lifestyle conglomerate Apparel Group to expand its retail footprint across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, planning to open more than 20 stores over the next five years.
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This partnership highlights Apparel Group’s commitment to diversifying its retail portfolio while augmenting the shopping experience for customers in Saudi Arabia, the company said. The expansion plan also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a blueprint that fosters economic diversification and aims to stimulate sectors such as retail to drive its economy.
“This strategic partnership with Clarks signifies a monumental step in our journey towards offering an unparalleled retail experience in the KSA,” Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, said. “Clarks, with its rich heritage and reputation for quality, perfectly complements our diverse brand portfolio. We are excited to bring this iconic British brand closer to customers in the region.”
The new Clarks stores will offer a variety of products including its Originals and an exclusive collection of comfort footwear. The expansion will help Clarks reach a larger audience and cater to the growing demand for high-quality footwear in Saudi Arabia—Statista attributes this demand to the country’s high spending power.
Apparel Group has created an omnichannel experience, and operates brands from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia, including Tommy Hilfiger, Skechers, Nine West and Aeropostale. The conglomerate’s reach extends to India, South Africa, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan and Egypt with strategies in place to tap into emerging markets such as Hungary and the Philippines.
