Charles Clinkard Launches 100th Anniversary Celebrations as It Reaches Its Centenary
Since 1924, Charles Clinkard has been styling and fitting the shoes of families in the North East and beyond, following the opening of its first store in Middlesborough. This year, Charles Clinkard marks its 100th anniversary and today launches its centenary celebrations with its customers and communities across the UK.
Charles Clinkard is celebrating ‘A Lifetime of Memories’ – a chance to delve into the rich history and honour the memories of the past including the founders of the family business, Charles and Eveline Clinkard. It also looks to the future and aims to take its current staff, loyal customers, brands, and communities on a journey into the next chapter of the business.
Born after World War I in the North East of England, Charles Clinkard prides itself on its long-lasting legacy of family values, connections, and relationships. ‘A Lifetime of Memories’ hopes to take customers and friends of the brand down memory lane and revisit the iconic moments that have helped shape its 100-year heritage. With unique access to the family archive, the campaign will bring to life everything from the old photographs, brand ads, and memorable moments that have been stored in shoeboxes over the years and have helped define who they are today.
Charles Clinkard has been there for key milestones in families’ lives for 100 years, from the first day at school to new jobs, weddings, and celebrations. Charles Clinkard wants to celebrate what makes the brand special to everyone who has shopped there over the century. To do this, the brand is inviting everyone within the local community to share their favourite Charles Clinkard memories. This can be done by either popping a hand-written note in the memory box displayed at the till point or by submitting photos and comments to the archive online, which will give them the chance to win a year’s supply of Charles Clinkard shoes*.
As part of the celebrations, Charles Clinkard is also today (24 April) offering new and existing Your Rewards customers 24% off for 24 hours which can be used in-store at its 44 stores and concessions, as well as online on all styles. This will include its special 100 Year Collection which includes exclusive styles for both men and women from longstanding partner brands such as Gabor, Toni Pons, Bugatti, and Loake, plus an exclusive gift with purchase. New customers can sign up for the Your Rewards loyalty programme today to make the most of the offer and enjoy quality shoes for the spring and summer season.
The retailer will also be running other various giveaways for customers over the next month, including in-store scratchcards and a new golden ticket competition which will be rolled out for online shoppers from 30 April until 4 May.
The family-owned business, currently employing around 500 staff members, remains committed to serving the community, with a number of charity fundraisers and initiatives across the year including Cancer Research UK, Age UK and Dementia UK, as well as Teesside Hospice, St Teresa's Darlington Hospice, Teesside Charity, St Oswald’s Hospice and the Headlight Project.
Speaking on the 100th anniversary, Charles Clinkard, the grandson of the eponymous founder of the retailer, said: “This is a very exciting year for us as we celebrate 100 years of Charles Clinkard. My grandparents opened the very first store here in the North East back in 1924 and I’m so proud to celebrate their legacy and how far the business has come over the past century. The success of Charles Clinkard is very much down to the dedication of our staff, who truly strive to uphold our core family values. I believe this dedication is what makes our business so special and helps us continue to stand out for quality and service. From our staff, brands and loyal customers, to those who have engaged with us at any point over the past 100 years, this milestone is a chance to give back, say a big thank you to everyone within the community and look ahead to what the future holds, and we hope everyone will join us in the celebrations.”
To learn more about Charles Clinkard’s 100th anniversary celebrations and ‘A Lifetime of Memories’ campaign, visit www.charlesclinkard.co.uk.
