Beloved store chain Clarks is pulling down the shutters on two of its UK stores, with one closing within days.
It comes as WHSmith and department store giant Beales are among those preparing to close brick and mortar sites alongside Homebase, Pizza Hut, Bonmarché, Boots and Cineworld.
As for Clarks, the retail giant is closing a store in Selby and March this month, with the latter set to close on Wednesday September 4.
It follows a slew of closures this year and more stretching into 2023, from which the brand will have just 320 stores as of July.
Clarks was founded in 1825 and at its peak operated 1,400 stores and franchises internationally.
Clarks will close its store in Broad Street, Cambridgeshire, on September 4 after a long closing sale.
The national retailer announced its closure earlier in July. One of the staff who work there said on Facebook: “We are all shocked by the news. But with rising wages and falling footfall, there is not much we can do.
“We would like to thank our loyal customers who have shopped at this store. We are delighted to continue serving them with our full range of products online and in our nearby Clarks stores in Peterborough and Kings Lynn.”
Another branch in Gowthorpe, Selby, will follow in a few weeks.
Clarks said the branch in the North Yorkshire town, which shoppers described as “amazing”, will close on September 14.
Locals have expressed their disappointment at the closure on social media, saying they are “sad to see it go”. The retailer thanked local buyers for their support over the years.
Google reviews present positive experiences with the store. One person said: “Very impressed with the service to fit my daughter’s shoes. Felt like she took the time to try on different sizes to find the right shoes for her. Very happy!”
Another declared: “Great deal with amazing staff. We got out nine pairs of shoes. Staff couldn’t have been more welcoming.”
Another commented: “Really good shoe shopping experience. Great customer service from two really helpful ladies.”
The closure follows the closure of the St Helier branch on July 27 after 24 years of trading.
Clarks stores closed this year
- Grove Shopping Centre, Witham – 13 January 2024
- Saddlers Shopping Centre, Walsall – 10 February 2024
- East Grinstead – 24 March 2024
- Abingdon, Oxfordshire – 22 April 2024
- Marlborough High Street – 22 April 2024
- Stroud – June 2024
- Maidenhead – June 2024
- St Helier – 27 July 2024
