Clarks Village

Clarks Village
The paved walkway and village setting with shops on either side
Map
LocationStreet, Somerset, England
Opening date14 August 1993
OwnerLandsec
No. of stores and services93
Websiteclarksvillage.co.uk

Clarks Village is an outlet shopping village in Street, Somerset, England. It was established in 1993 on the site of old C&J Clark factory buildings.

History

In the 19th century Cyrus Clark started a business in sheepskin rugs, later joined by his brother James, who introduced the production of woollen slippers, and later, boots and shoes.[1] However, shoes are no longer manufactured there.

Clarks Village opened on 14 August 1993 and gained over two million visitors in its first year.[2][3] It grew to include over 90 high street and designer retailers, as well as a number of coffee shops, restaurants and fast food chains.[4] The site is owned and managed by Land Securities Group Plc. Each year the range of shops and brands available changes.[5][6] Many family events take place during the year with activities and school holiday activities.[7] Clarks Village selects a charity of the year to support and Somerset Rural Youth Project was its chosen charity for 2016.[8]

  • Clarks factory chimney
    Clarks factory chimney
  • Northside car park entrance
    Northside car park entrance
  • Shops in Clarks Village
    Shops in Clarks Village

References

  1. ^ Scott, Shane (1995). The hidden places of Somerset. Aldermaston: Travel Publishing Ltd. p. 82. ISBN 1-902007-01-8.
  2. ^ Claire Violette Herbaux (13 August 2018). "Photos show 25 years of Clarks Village outlet shopping centre". Somerset Live. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  3. ^ Roger Tredre (16 October 1994). "Passion for price-cutting ignites a nation of shoppers". The Observer. London.
  4. ^ "REALM corporate brochure" (PDF). REALM. p. 11. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 July 2011.
  5. ^ "More big brands open in Clarks Village in Street | Central Somerset Gazette". Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  6. ^ "Superdry to open new store in Somerset | Western Gazette". Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  7. ^ Village, Clarks (13 July 2016). "Summer Family Fun at Clarks Village – UPDATED 11 Aug. – Clarks Village". Retrieved 15 August 2016.
  8. ^ "Somerset Rural Youth Project named as Clarks Village charity partner 2016". Somerset County Gazette. Retrieved 13 September 2016.

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