Keswick's 'Wonderful' Charles Clinkard Shoe Shop to Close After 18 Years
A beloved shoe retailer in the Lake District is set to close its doors permanently after nearly two decades of operation. Charles Clinkard in Keswick will cease trading at the end of June, marking the end of an era for the popular footwear store located at 30 Main Street.
Retail Portfolio Review Leads to Closure Decision
The Clinkard Group, a family-run business operating 33 stores across the United Kingdom, has confirmed that the Keswick unit is being marketed as part of a comprehensive review of their retail portfolio. A company spokesperson explained that increasing operational costs have necessitated this difficult decision.
"We can confirm that the unit for our Charles Clinkard store in Keswick is currently being marketed as part of a review of our retail portfolio," the spokesperson stated. "This is due to increasing costs, therefore we have made the decision to explore alternative options in Keswick to futureproof our high street presence in the town."
Commitment to Keswick Customers Remains Strong
Despite the impending closure, the retailer emphasized their ongoing dedication to serving the Keswick community. The store will remain open until June, allowing customers to continue shopping for quality footwear during this transition period.
"Our focus is on continuing to serve our customers in Keswick with our doors remaining open until June," the spokesperson continued. "Our commitment to providing quality footwear and exceptional service will continue through our stores and website."
The company is actively investigating alternative options to maintain their presence in the popular tourist destination, though specific details about potential new locations or formats have not yet been disclosed.
A Legacy of Quality Footwear Since 2008
Charles Clinkard first opened its Keswick location in 2008, establishing itself as a go-to destination for high-quality footwear catering to men, women, and children. The store developed a loyal customer base over its 18-year tenure, with one shopper recently describing it as "wonderful" after finding their "perfect shoes" there.
Broader Retail Challenges Across the UK
The closure comes amid significant challenges facing the British retail sector. According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), employment costs rose by approximately £5 billion in 2025, driven primarily by increases in employer national insurance contributions and a higher legal minimum wage.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, highlighted the sector's struggles: "We all want more high-quality, well-paid jobs. But retail has already lost 250,000 roles in the past five years and youth unemployment is climbing fast."
Dickinson further noted that 84% of finance executives now rank labor costs among their top three concerns, a dramatic increase from just 21% in July of the previous year.
"The economy is expected to remain fragile, with weak wage growth, unemployment rising and low consumer confidence, all pointing towards falling demand," she explained. "At the same time, businesses face sharply higher costs, from rising input prices and wage bills to new burdens created by government policy."
In response to these mounting pressures, many retailers are implementing technological solutions and productivity strategies to reduce labor requirements while maintaining service quality.
