Legendary shoe shop loved by parents with over 300 branches shuts store leaving shoppers with ‘depressing high street’
BELOVED shoe shop Clarks is closing its doors on its only store in Jersey – and people are gutted.
The popular retailer announced that its shop on King Street in the capital St Helier is shutting on July 27 after 24 years of trading.
The shock closure has left several local customers devastated, although the trader maintains over 300 branches nationwide.
One Facebook user said: “Sad to see it go. It has served me well over the years and their shoes were reasonably priced and of good quality!”
Another well-wisher added: “I went in there today and a lovely lady was serving all on her own.
“I wished her well and she said she’s retiring after 20+ years there. I hope she enjoys her retirement.”
A nostalgic user penned: “Beautiful shoes, will be missed remember them fitting we children in the 50′ s”.
One said: “My mum Carole served over 20 years at Clarks. Will be sad to see this shop absent from the high street.
“Was an absolute credit this shop. Happy retirement mum, well deserved.”
And another devastated user said: “It’s quite depressing going through the high street now and seeing all the derelict shops “.
The British shoemaker has over 1,000 stores globally and employs thousands of people.
Somerset-founded Clarks will celebrate its 200th anniversary next year.
The business will mark its 200th anniversary of trading next year.
A Clarks spokesperson said: “Clarks confirms its store in Jersey, will close on 27 July 2024.
“We’d like to thank our loyal customers who have shopped with us at our Jersey store over the years.”
In November, Clarks also brought the shutters down on its site in Newport Retail Park amid an ongoing battle high street chains continue to face.
The retailer pulled down the shutters on its branch in Murrygate, Dundee last July.
Last year, the branch in Fareham shopping centre was shut for good on August 5 and Inverness in September.
It also closed its shop in Grimsby at the end of October and store in Newcastle under Lyme on November 3.
But Clarks opened up a new store in Newcastle’s Eldon Square shopping centre on May 14, 2023.
Why are retailers closing branches?
The cost of living crisis, stubbornly high inflation and energy costs are taking their toll on retailers.
Shoppers have been cutting back spending, while the cost of actually running a store has also increased, meaning some outlets have struggled to keep going.
Figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) last summer found the UK had lost 6,000 stores over five years.