1924
Charles Clinkard was founded on the 24th April 1924 by Charles and Eveline Clinkard. The business was started with £30 of personal savings and a loan to match from the bank.
1930s
The reputation of the business continued to grow throughout the 1930s, as did the Clinkard family. Charles and Eveline welcomed Anne in 1930, Colin in 1932, John in 1934 and Roger in 1936.
1940s
The Second World War had started and Middlesbrough was one of the first targets in the UK. The Clinkard store on Corporation Road was lucky to narrowly miss a direct hit but suffered extensive damage from fire in the building opposite.
1950s
The launch of Children's footwear was such a success, Charles and Eveline bought the shop next door to grow the business further. Roger and John both joined the business to help manage stores, and at the end of the decade in 1958, founder Charles retires.
1960s
The business continued to expand with the opening of a fourth store in Northallerton. Roger founded the wholesale business Intershoe and started importing boots from Scandinavia. In 1969, Roger was appointed to the Charles Clinkard Board of Directors.
1970s
A new lease was agreed for a flagship store in Newcastle, and stores established in Leeds and Sheffield marked a significant period of expansion. The company celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1974, and Colin Clinkard joined the business full time.
1980s
Eveline retired after 56 years in the shoe trade, and sons Colin and Roger became joint Managing Directors. Intershoe were appointed as Gabor sales agents, a partnership which continues to this day. Roger's son, Charles, joined the business in 1989.
1990s
New offices and warehouse premises opened in Stockton to accommodate the growth of the retail and wholesale side of the business. Charles Clinkard (grandson of founder Charles) was appointed as a Company Director in 1995. Colin retired as joint Managing Director and became a Non-Executive Director.
2000s
Roger retired in 2001 and Charles was appointed Group Managing Director. Charles negotiated to buy 12 new stores from Stead & Simpson, expanding the company. The Board signed off on the launch of the first online store in 2002, and in the same year, the company was named ‘Best Family Footwear Retailer’ at the Drapers Awards.
2010s
Colin’s daughter, Rachel, was appointed as eCommerce Director to boost the growing department. In 2012 the Intershoe team was awarded the Best Sales Team award by Jochim Gabor. Four years later saw a move to custom-built Head Offices in Middlesbrough, where the company began.
2020s
Tim Payne became Retail Managing Director, the first non-family member to be appointed since the start of the company. Charles Clinkard celebrates their 100th Anniversary in 2024 and looks towards the future!