Member Article

Stockton-based shoe retailer continues national expansion

Stockton-headquartered shoe retailer Charles Clinkard has continued its national expansion with the opening of its 33rd store, in Shrewsbury, following £160k of investment.

The family-run firm has opened on the site of the former Dyers store and is now looking at other potential retail sites around the UK to continue its growth.

Managing Director Charles Clinkard said: “We are delighted to be opening our new branch in Shrewsbury, which is a busy and attractive town that provides excellent opportunities to grow our business.

“We are also delighted to have been able to keep some of the former Dyers’ team, including our new store manager, Carole Croft, who worked for Dyers previously.

“Their expertise and local knowledge will be a huge asset.”

The Grade 2 Listed High Street building in Shrewsbury was given a £160k make-over and sells designer brands such as Gabor, Rieker, Skechers, Startrite, Converse and Lelli Kelly, among others.

The store employs 12 staff and is expected to have a turnover of around £800k a year.

Charles Clinkard is the third generation of his family to run the company, and he was named Personality of the Year in the Footwear Industry Awards in 2013.

The company was also recently voted Multiple Retailer of the Year at the Footwear Industry Awards, and employs more than 550 staff.

Charles said: “Our exclusive brand offering is continuing to prove a huge success as we spread around the country from our North East base, and I look forward to identifying further opportunities for expansion in the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .