Long-Standing Shoe Shop Closes Suddenly

A long-standing shoe shop in Market Harborough has closed suddenly with the loss of 13 jobs.

Clarks in St Mary’s Place shut its doors on Tuesday, after the company that ran it as a franchise ceased trading with immediate effect.

Staff say they were given no prior warning of the closure and have been left shocked and upset.

The shop was run by family-firm Radley Footwear Limited, which has blamed mounting pressure of operating on the High Street making the business unsustainable.

The collapse of the company, which is to be placed into voluntary liquidation, has also led to the closure of six other Clarks stores that were operated by the firm in the East Midlands, including in Kettering and Corby.

Gareth Thomas, president of Market Harborough Chamber of Commerce, has reacted to the closure:

The Clarks shop in St Mary’s Place has closed suddenly

A Radley Family spokesperson said: “This decision has not come easily and is one that we’ve considered deeply over recent times. Unfortunately, the increasing costs and mounting pressures of operating on the UK high street have made it unsustainable for us to continue this journey.

“For four decades, we have been privileged to be part of your lives, sharing in both your everyday moments and landmark occasions in particular those first shoes. We have taken immense pride in offering quality products and services while striving to maintain the values and warmth of a family business.

“It is the loyalty and friendships of our customers and the dedication of our incredible staff that have made this experience so rewarding.

“We are endlessly grateful to every single customer who has supported us along the way. Your loyalty and patronage have meant the world to us and have been the driving force behind our perseverance and passion.

“To our amazing staff; thank you for your loyalty and hard work, none of this would have been possible without you.”

Customers with questions regarding orders should contact Clarks via the website at www.clarks.com .

A sign informing shoppers of the closure

Former Shop Manager Thanks Customers After Sudden Closure