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

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

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




The move comes a month after the business celebrated 100 years in the trade, growing from a single store in Middlesbrough to operating more than 40 stores and concessions across the country, along with a successful online store. A number of staff are affected by the decision and Charles Clinkard, group managing director at The Clinkard Group, said the firm was making efforts to relocate affected staff elsewhere in the business.

Charles Clinkard, group managing director at The Clinkard Group, said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly and we are deeply saddened to lose part of our North East footprint, particularly in such an important year. Our original store in Middlesbrough was established by my grandparents Charles and Evelyn Clinkard in 1924 and Redcar followed in 1959, both stores being a cornerstone of the local retail landscape, serving generations of families with exceptional service to the customers.

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

The firm has invested heavily in its online operations as well as its data processes in recent years, with work including a knowledge transfer partnership with students at Teesside University to explore the use of software to simplify and automate previously time-consuming tasks. As a result, the firm is now hiring one of the former students as its head of data science.

Mr Clinkard said: “As the e-commerce business continues to grow, this allows us to invest more heavily in our IT systems over the coming years, which has started with the introduction of a number of software development projects across the company in recent months. improving our online availability and optimizing our redistribution process. This has allowed us to hire more highly skilled developers to support the growth of online sales, something we will continue to prioritize.

“While the Middlesbrough and Redcar stores have faced unique changes and challenges over the years, we remain invested in the high street, something that is at the heart of our business.

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