Charles Clinkard celebrates 100 years of footwear

Since 1924, Charles Clinkard has been styling and fitting the shoes of families in the North East and beyond, following the opening of its first store in Middlesborough. This year, Charles Clinkard marks its 100^th anniversary and today launches its centenary celebrations following a successful year of business growth.

Charles Clinkard is celebrating ‘A Lifetime of Memories’ – a chance to delve into the rich history and honour the memories of the past including the founders of the family business, Charles and Eveline Clinkard. It also looks to the future and aims to take its current staff, loyal customers, brands, and communities on a journey into the next chapter of the business.

Born after World War I in the North East of England, Charles Clinkard prides itself on its long-lasting legacy of family values, connections, and relationships. ‘A Lifetime of Memories’ hopes to take customers and friends of the brand down memory lane and revisit the iconic moments that have helped shape its 100-year heritage. With unique access to the family archive, the campaign will bring to life everything from the old photographs, brand ads, and memorable moments that have been stored in shoeboxes over the years and have helped define who they are today.

Charles Clinkard is rolling out a programme of celebrations for its customers including a brand new 100 Anniversary Collection, an exclusive discount period with 24 percent off for 24 hours for Your Rewards members, and a number of in-store activities. For brands, the retailer is working closely with them throughout the year to provide the opportunity to join the anniversary campaign and highlight the successful partnerships and quality products. Brands such as Clarks have supported the business since the opening of the first store in 1924 and are very much an integral part of the Charles Clinkard history.

The family-owned business, currently employing around 500 staff members, remains committed to serving the community, with a number of charity fundraisers and initiatives across the year including Cancer Research UK, Age UK and Dementia UK, as well as Teesside Hospice, St Teresa’s Darlington Hospice, Teesside Charity, St Oswald’s Hospice and the Headlight Project.

Speaking on the 100^th anniversary, Charles Clinkard, the grandson of the eponymous founder of the retailer, said: “This is a very exciting year for us as we celebrate 100 years of Charles Clinkard. My grandparents opened the very first store here in the North East back in 1924 and I’m so proud to celebrate their legacy and how far the business has come over the past century. The success of Charles Clinkard is very much down to the dedication of our staff, who truly strive to uphold our core family values. I believe this dedication is what makes our business so special and helps us continue to stand out for quality and service. From our staff, brands and loyal customers, to those who have engaged with us at any point over the past 100 years, this milestone is a chance to give back, say a big thank you to everyone within the community and look ahead to what the future holds, and we hope everyone will join us in the celebrations.”

The 100^th anniversary celebrations come as the family business announces that overall sales increased by +7 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year. Looking at Bricks & Mortar stores for non-food retailers, sales were up +2 percent year-on-year, while Charles Clinkard exceeded this with a +6 percent increase. While online commerce for non-food retailers decreased by -3 percent compared to 2022, Charles Clinkard saw a significant growth of +7 percent. This successful trading period has allowed the business to invest in its centenary celebrations and plan for the future.