1904-1945 .E2.80.93 Style.2C technology and foot measuring C. & J. Clark

an employee packing of premium clarks tor products

in 1903 partnership arrangement discontinued in favour of private limited company. enabled succession third generation of family members children of william stephens clark became ‘life directors’ alongside francis , himself. tasked specific responsibilities, alice clark, john bright clark , roger clark developed distinct roles.

brothers john bright , roger clark studied american making processes , techniques view appointing suitable candidate experienced in american factory system might bring street. john walter bostock lynn, massachusetts recruited in 1904. implementation resounding success , bostock made director of company in 1928.

a london office, opened in west end in 1908, supplemented shoemaking knowledge style information. reputation high quality goods available in latest fashions, established in 1910s, , remained until second world war. premium quality ‘tor’ range produced on principles of standard lines, followed range of affordable fashionable footwear called ‘wessex’.

the company had first national press advertisement in 1934, , entered formally retailing in 1937 through acquisition of abbotts chain of shops based around london , provinces. peter lord created hugh bryan clark retail brand avoid alarming agents or alerting competitors company’s activities. steadily evolved national network of stores.

growing awareness ‘bad feet’ product of ill-fitting shoes determined bostock devise new shoe fitting system based on detailed analysis of thousands of foot measurements taken local school children. in line findings company launched new children’s ranges in 1945 choice of 4 width fittings, simultaneously new clarks footgauge acted scientific measuring instrument aid shop assistant.