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Clarks' digital transformation: revolutionising retail with AbsoluteLabs and NewStore
AbsoluteLabs partnered with Clarks to implement NewStore's cloud-native platform, modernising operations across 500+ stores and enhancing customer experience globally.
Founded in Somerset, England, in 1825, Clarks has been a pioneer in innovative shoemaking for nearly two centuries. Thebrand's journey began when brothers James and Cyrus Clark crafted a slipper from sheepskin off-cuts, marking the start of alegacy built on invention and craftsmanship.
Over the years, Clarks has continued to redefine footwear, creating iconic designsthat have not only sparked revolutions but also defined generations.
Today, Clarks operates as a global business, with apresence in over 100 markets through retail, wholesale, franchise, and online channels.
The brand owns and operates 512 fullprice and outlet stores across Europe, North America, and the United Kingdom, continuing to deliver the craftsmanship andinnovation that have been at the heart of its success for nearly 200 years.
The challenge
Clarks, a nearly 200-year-old business, recognized that itslegacy technology stack was holding it back, with manysystems approaching End of Life (EOL) and falling out ofcompliance.
In 2022, the brand embarked on a companywide digital transformation, anchored in MACH(Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, and Headless)principles and a strategic shift from on-premises tocloud-based infrastructure.
A key challenge during this transformation was theoutdated point-of-sale (POS) systems, some of whichwere over 20 years old, severely limiting the brand's abilityto compete in the modern retail environment.
The solution: A powerful partnership
For this critical transformation, Clarks selected NewStore'sMACH-certified Unified Commerce Platform andAbsoluteLabs as the integration partner. NewStore'scloud-based SaaS solution and microservices-drivenarchitecture aligned perfectly with Clarks' vision for amodernized, future-proof technology stack.
AbsoluteLabs, with its proven track record inimplementing retail technology solutions, was chosen toensure seamless integration and deployment.This strategic partnership delivered exceptional value interms of Total Cost of Ownership, providing acomprehensive solution that met Clarks' needs whilestaying within implementation timeline & budget.
AbsoluteLabs' deep expertise in retail systems integration,combined with NewStore's powerful platform, created theideal combination to support Clarks in its mission toinnovate and lead in the global retail market.
Absolutelabs implementaion expertise
As the integration partner, AbsoluteLabs played a crucial role inbringing Clarks' digital transformation to life. Our team'sextensive experience in retail technology enabled a seamlessconnection between the NewStore platform and Clarks' existingsystems. Through our integration expertise, we helped Clarksfully leverage the platform's omnichannel capabilities, including:
- Store fulfillment
- Mixed cart processing
- Endless aisle
- Buy online pickup in-store (BOPIS)
- Buy online return in-store (BORIS)
AbsoluteLabs' thorough understanding of retail operationsensured that the NewStore platform was optimally configuredas the central source of truth for Clarks' retail operations,enabling a unified and efficient shopping experience across allchannels.
Transformative results
and lasting benefits
Key achivements
512 stores
AbsolueLabs moved all of them to NewStore, on time, without the usual drama that comes with a migration this size.
Shoppers felt the difference
Better experience across every channel. Not just cleaner interfaces, but interactions that actually made sense end to end.
The team got their time back
Fewer manual workarounds, fewer dropped balls. Operations just ran the way they were supposed to.
Ready for what's next
The infrastructure they have now won't be a problem to outgrow. It was built with that in mind from day one.
The implementation of the NewStore Unified Commerce Platform, combined with AbsoluteLabs' expert strategic integration,has led to a significant digital transformation at Clarks. The new system was successfully rolled out across 512 stores in Europe,North America, and the United Kingdom, all on schedule.
This swift deployment has equipped Clarks with a more agile andadaptable infrastructure, positioning the brand to thrive in the dynamic retail landscape.A key to the success of this transformation was the intuitive and user-friendly nature of the platform. Store associates,regardless of their age or technical proficiency, quickly adapted to the new system, enabling them to focus on deliveringpersonalized, customer-centric experiences.
The enhanced mobility provided by the mobile POS has empowered associates toengage with customers more effectively, fostering stronger relationships and improving overall satisfactionAdditionally, the brand now benefits from a faster and more reliable POS system, which has significantly improved the speedand efficiency of in-store operations.
On top of that, the right strategic integration of the SAAS model has ensured that Clarksremains at the forefront of retail technology. These advancements not only streamline Clarks' day-to-day activities but alsoprovide the flexibility needed to continue evolving and innovating in response to market demands.
