Clarks shows record rise in profits - graduate jobs

An astonishing rise in annual profits at Clarks will be turning the heads of graduates looking at starting their careers in retail or management jobs.

According to the accounts filed at Companies House and seen by the Sunday Times, the Somerset-based company witnessed profits leaping above the £100 million mark in its last financial year.

With C&J Clarks' European sales up more than a third and a rise in US revenues of more than 10%, it also saw a turnover of £1.28 billion, with a 9.2% increase on the previous year. Britain still remains its biggest market.

Along with its traditional popularity among school kids, Clarks has also recently garnered demand for its new range of desert boots. The products were named-checked in a rap song by Jamaican artist Vybz Kartel.

Amid the current weak retail sector, low customer confidence and pressure on household incomes, the results look especially strong and positive.