A LEGENDARY shoe shop loved by parents is closing a store within hours, the retailer has confirmed.
Clarks will close its store at the Saddlers Shopping Centre in Walsall on Saturday, February 10.
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It comes as shoppers have posted their sadness about the closure on social media after highlighting the store’s closing down sale.
One shopper posted on Facebook: “Walsall’s Clarks closes on Saturday.
“Just been told all kids shoes and boot are £5 each.
“Got loads of sandals so get your feet measured and go a size up for summer.”
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Commenting on the closure, one shopper said: “Such a shame. I am 60 and remember my feet being measured there years ago.
“Nothing in Walsall now – such a dump.”
Another commented on the sale and said: “What a sale to miss when I’m working all day.”
A Clarks spokesperson said: “Clarks confirms its store at the Saddlers Shopping Centre, Walsall, will close on February 10, 2024.
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“We thank our store team for their dedication and for serving our customers over the years.
“We’d like to thank our loyal customers who have shopped with us at our Walsall store, and we’ll be delighted to continue to serve them with our full range of products online and at our nearby Clarks stores in West Bromwich, Perry Barr and Wolverhampton.”
Clarks closed its store in The Grove Shopping Centre, Witham, on Saturday, January 13.
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Reacting to the news of the closure on Facebook, one shopper said: “Not surprised really, priced itself out of the market.
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.
It came shortly after its branches in Norwich and Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, Kent, were saved from closure.
Clarks had planned to close both stores for good but made a U-turn on the decision and decided they would remain open and continue to trade.
The popular footwear chain was founded in 1825 and operated across over 1,400 stores and franchises internationally at its peak.
But as of July 2023, the brand had just 320 stores.
All is not lost for shoppers though, as the retailer also relocated and opened new shops last year.
The brand opened a new store on East Street in Taunton in April following the closure of its original high street store.
Clarks also opened up a new store in Newcastle’s Eldon Square shopping centre on May 14.
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.
Several major brands also collapsed and closed stores for good in 2023.
Wilko‘s fall in August marked the biggest British retail collapse since McColl’s plunged into administration in May 2022.
Paperchase collapsed into administration at the end of January 2023 and all 106 stores closed for good.
Scottish clothing brand M&Co and wellies retailer Joules were among a host of other familiar brands that went bust in 2022.
But shoppers still have reason to be cheerful as other retailers are expanding this year.
The Sun recently revealed discount retailer Costco is expanding in the UK and is planning to open 14 more warehouses over the next two years.
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Bonmarche is opening at least seven new stores after filing for administration in 2019.
Once-huge bakery chain Patisserie Valerie, which also collapsed into administration and closed most of its stores, has started reopening branches, as revealed by the Sun.
