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

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

Charles Clinkard bosses say the closures are coming as the company must respond to changing spending habits in the wider retail sector, forcing it to focus on stronger 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 its doors on August 24.

The move comes a month after the business marked 100 years in the trade, having grown from a single store in Middlesbrough to operate over 40 stores and concessions across the country, along with a successful online store. A number of staff have been affected by the decision and Charles Clinkard, group managing director at The Clinkard Group, said the firm was making efforts to relocate affected employees 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 footprint in the North East, particularly in such a historic year. Our original store in Middlesbrough was established by my grandparents Charles and Eveline Clinkard in 1924 and Redcar followed in 1959, with both stores being a cornerstone of the local retail landscape, catering for generations of families with exceptional service to the customer.

“We enter our 100th anniversary year in a strong financial position and the strategic decision has been made to reflect the changing retail landscape on the North East High Street, which means our store portfolio must evolve with this to allow for future growth and longevity. We have found that the growth of Teesside Park, together with the widespread shift to online shopping in these areas, has changed consumer habits and demographics for the better.”

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 streamline and automate previous intensive work tasks. As a result, the firm now employs one of the former students as a data science lead.

Mr Clinkard said: “As the e-commerce business continues to grow, it allows us to invest more in our IT systems in the coming years, which has started by bringing in-house numerous software development projects during in recent months, improving the availability of our stock online. and optimizing our redistribution process. This has allowed us to recruit more skilled developers to support the growth of online sales, something we will continue to prioritize.

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

“We also remain committed to our people and customers. Efforts will be made to support affected staff members in transitioning to new opportunities within the business. Furthermore, we will continue to support the people of the region in various ways including charitable initiatives.

“We hope we can continue to support the local area with our offers at Teesside Park and other regional outlets, or by embracing the convenience of online shopping. 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.”