When Charles and Eveline Clinkard opened their first shoe shop in 1924, they little knew they were founding a footwear empire – and a family dynasty that still runs the company 90 years later. The business began in 1924 with the opening of a shoe shop in Middlesbrough. From small beginnings The Clinkard Group has now grown to be the leading Independent Footwear Retailer in the North East and one of the largest Independents in the UK. The current Managing Director – Charles Clinkard – is the grandson of the founders and continues the values that have established the business.

In a market place that is becoming increasingly competitive, the Clinkard Group looks to maintain its edge through a combination of tradition, quality and service. These values along with the excellent brand selection we offer, allow us to occupy a niche position in the middle to upper sector of the retail market place. The business has been developed on trust and reputation, working closely with our suppliers, customers and trade connections. The Clinkard reputation for quality and service is not only recognised by these suppliers and throughout the trade, but also by our retail customers. This we believe can be credited to the extremely high calibre of people we employ. They are a major factor in the continued success of the business.

Today, the Clinkard Group has 33 stores across the UK, and managing director Charles is the third generation to be in charge. Through reinvesting profits, the Group has expanded the business to a point where annual turnover now represents sales of footwear in excess of thirty million pounds and employment is provided for more than 450 people. Looking forward, we aim to strengthen our position through continually reviewing our business strategy and building on our core strengths.