Charles Clinkard is to close two stores, including the original store in Middlesbrough

North East shoe manufacturer Charles Clinkard has announced plans to close two stores, including the original store in Middlesbrough, which first opened 100 years ago.

Charles Clinkard bosses say the closures come as the company needs to respond to changing spending habits on the high street and the wider retail sector, forcing it to focus on stronger business performance in other stores and online. As a result, the Redcar store will close on July 27, while the Middlesbrough store, on Corporation Road, will close its doors on August 24.

The move comes a month after the company marked its 100 years in business, growing from a single store in Middlesbrough to more than 40 stores and concessions across the country, in addition to a successful online store. A number of employees will be affected by the decision and Charles Clinkard, group director of The Clinkard Group, said the company is making efforts to relocate affected employees elsewhere in the business.

Charles Clinkard, group director of The Clinkard Group, said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we are deeply saddened that we will lose some of our footprint in the North East, especially in such a landmark year. Our original store in Middlesbrough was founded in 1924 by my grandparents Charles and Eveline Clinkard and Redcar followed in 1959, with both stores forming a cornerstone of the local retail landscape, serving generations of families with exceptional customer service.

“We have entered our 100th anniversary year in a strong financial position and the strategic decision was made to reflect the changing retail landscape on the North East high street, which meant our store portfolio had to evolve to accommodate this for future growth and longevity. We have found that the rise of Teesside Park, coupled with the widespread shift to online shopping in these areas, has forever changed consumer habits and demographics.”

The company has invested heavily in its online operations and data processes in recent years, including a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Teesside University students to explore the use of software to simplify and automate previously labour-intensive tasks. As a result, the company now employs one of its former students as head of data science.

Mr Clinkard said: “As the e-commerce sector continues to grow, this will enable us to invest more heavily in our IT systems over the coming years, which has begun by taking several software development projects in-house in recent months, further enhancing our online stock availability has improved. and optimizing our redistribution process. This has allowed us to recruit more highly qualified developers to support the growth of online sales, something we will continue to prioritize.

“While Middlesbrough and Redcar stores have faced unique changes and challenges over the years, we continue to invest in the high street, which is at the heart of our business.

“We also remain involved with our people and customers. Efforts will be made to support affected employees in the transition to new opportunities within the company. In addition, we will continue to support the people of the region in various ways, including through charitable initiatives.

“We hope we can continue to support the local area with our offering in Teesside Park and other regional stores, or by embracing the convenience of shopping online. As the sun sets on this chapter of the Charles Clinkard story, we hope that our legacy of quality footwear and unparalleled customer service will continue. The company looks forward to continuing its journey, embracing new horizons while honoring our family heritage.”