Charles Clinkard continues to grow via concessions

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Sep 13, 2018

UK footwear retailer Charles Clinkard is adding four more concessions to its portfolio, which are expected to provide a £900,000 boost to the company’s turnover annually.

The business has opened new concessions in Sidmouth, Axminster, Dorchester and Newton Abbot, carrying a selection of brands such as Barbour, Gabor, Josef Seibel and Loake.

“As we continue to expand across the country from our North East base, we’re delighted to open our new concessions in such desirable locations,” commented managing director Charles Clinkard.

“We’ve welcomed new staff in some stores and their industry expertise and local knowledge will be a huge asset.”

The family-owned business has currently 11 concessions across the UK after opening four locations in Romsey, New Milton, Jersey, and the Isle of Man in December. The new concessions are located at Fields of Sidmouth, Goulds Dorchester, Austins Newton Abbot and Trinity House Axminster.

The company also operates more than 30 standalone sites, and there could be more in the pipeline.

“We know from experience how important an in-store experience is to our customers. For that reason, we’ll continue to invest in bricks and mortar to avoid further empty spaces in the UK’s under-pressure high street,” Clinkard continued.

Established by husband and wife Charles and Eveline Clinkard in 1924, the brand reported flat sales growth of 0.8% in the year to January 2017 with growth slowing down particularly in the UK and Ireland. Pre-tax profits fell 12.5% during the period.