After 39 years of shoe-shop-service at our Redcar store, shoe-per woman Debbie Dunn is finally getting the chance to put her feet up!
Debbie, 55, is retiring after working for Charles Clinkard since leaving school aged 16.
After starting as a trainee in our Middlesbrough store in 1976, Debbie rose through the ranks to become manager of the Redcar store.
Now Debbie, along with husband Peter, is moving to the Isle of Arran in Scotland to enjoy retirement.
“I’ve lived in the North East all my life and have always worked for Charles Clinkard,” said Debbie.
“I’ve made so many great friends but I’m now looking forward to starting a new chapter or my life somewhere different – it’s going to be a real adventure.
“The Isle of Arran has a remote, peaceful quality to it without being too far away from home.”
Debbie is packing up her last few possessions before joining up with Peter who moved over in May after securing a job working in the visitor centre at Arran’s award-winning whisky distillery.
The Isle of Aaran is located on the west coast of Scotland and has a population of approximately 5,000 people.
Speaking about her time working for Charles Clinkard Debbie said: “I can’t believe it’s gone so fast, it doesn’t feel like I started all that long ago.
“The standard of service remains the same, we still try and provide that special one-to-one customer service we have always done and the company still maintains that close knit family feel.
“The biggest change has probably been the use of computers and the internet – everything is digital now and it makes things a lot easier for us and the customer.
“Surprisingly fashions haven’t changed too much, everyone might be after brogues one year and Oxfords the next, but a good pair of shoes will always be a good pair of shoes – and I should know, I own about 30 different pairs.”
Managing Director Charles Clinkard said: “Debbie retiring is going to be a massive loss to us. Her hard work, dedication and know-how have been excellent for the business and for our customers.
“Her move to the Isle of Aaran sounds idyllic – and a great way to relax and make the most of retirement.
“I know I speak for everyone here when I wish her all the best for an exciting move. We’re really going to miss her.”
The new manager at Redcar is Olivia Shearer who joined Clinkards in February as a trainee manager after working for Clarks for six years.
Olivia started part time while studying International Business at Teesside University. She later became a full time team leader. She’s 22 and loves the gym.
Charles Clinkard opened our first store in Middlesbrough in 1924, with the Redcar store opening in 1959.
We now have 33 stores across the country and employ more than 550 people. If you’re interested in working with us, take a look at our careers page.
