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

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

Bosses at Charles Clinkard say the closures come 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 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 shut its doors on August 24.

The move comes a month after the business celebrated 100 years of trading, growing from a single store in Middlesbrough to operating more than 40 stores and concessions across the country, alongside a successful online store. A number of employees are affected by the decision and Charles Clinkard, chief executive of The Clinkard Group, said the firm was looking to move affected staff elsewhere within the business.

Charles Clinkard, group managing director at The Clinkard Group, said: “We have not taken this decision lightly and are deeply saddened to lose part of our footprint in the North East, particularly in such a sweet year. Our original store in Middlesbrough was established by my grandparents Charles and Eveline Clinkard in 1924 and Redcar followed in 1959, both stores being cornerstones of local retail, catering for generations of families with exceptional customer service.

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

The firm has been investing 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 difficult tasks. As a result, the firm now employs one of the former students as a head of data science.

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

“Although the Middlesbrough and Redcar stores have faced unique changes and challenges over the years, we continue to invest in the flagship store, which is 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 employees in transitioning to new opportunities within the business. In addition, we will continue to support people in the region in various ways, including charitable initiatives.

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