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The beloved shop chain Clarks will pull down the shutters on two of its stores in Britain, and one will shut in just days.
It comes as WHSmith and department store giant Beales are among those preparing to close brick-and-mortar sites, in addition to Homebase, Pizza Hut, Bonmarché, Boots and Cineworld.
As for Clarks, the retail giant will close a store in Selby and March this month, with the latter preparing to close on Wednesday, September 4.
It follows a string of closures this year and more that date back to 2023, during July of which the brand has just 320 stores.
Clarks was established in 1825 and operated across 1,400 stores and franchises internationally at its peak.
Clarks will close its store on Broad Street in Cambridgeshire, on September 4 following a lengthy closing down sale.
The national retailer announced its closure earlier in July. One of the members of staff who works there said on Facebook: “We are all devastated by the news. But with wage increases and declining footfall, there is not much we can do.
“We’d like to thank our loyal customers who have shopped with us at this store. We’ll be delighted to continue to serve them with our full range of products online and at our nearby Clarks stores in Peterborough and Kings Lynn.”
A second branch in Gowthorpe, Selby will follow in a matter of weeks.
Clarks said the North Yorkshire town branch, labelled “amazing” by shoppers, will shut on September 14.
Locals have taken to social media to express their disappointment over the closure, saying they’re “sad to see it go”. The retailer thanked local shoppers for their support over the years.
Google reviews showcase positive experiences of the store. One person said: “Was very impressed by the service to fit my daughter’s shoes. Felt that the lady took time to try different sizes to get the right ones for her. Very happy!”
A second proclaimed: “Excellent shop due to the amazing staff. We came out with nine pairs of shoes. Staff couldn’t have been more accommodating.”
Another commented: “Really good shoe shopping experience. Fantastic customer service from two really helpful ladies.”
The closures come after a branch in St Helier shut down on July 27 after 24 years of trading.
Clarks stores shut this year
- Grove Shopping Centre, Witham – January 13, 2024
- Saddlers Shopping Centre, Walsall – February 10, 2024
- East Grinstead – March 24, 2024
- Abingdon, Oxfordshire – April 22, 2024
- Marlborough High Street – April 22, 2024
- Stroud – June 2024
- Maidenhead – June 2024
- St Helier – July 27, 2024
