This is a bright, well laid out little shop on Teesside Retail Park. It's on the left hand side as you enter, about half way along the run of shops. As you enter the shop they have a nice selection of adult shoes, with children's shoes at the back. They operate a ticket service at busy times so you take a number and wait. Sadly, it's nearly always busy when I go, but that's probably because everyone decides to get new school shoes in the week before the new school term!
On the plus side, the staff are really friendly and helpful, and put on a great act (no-one can really have that much patience when faced with an endless supply of children who can't make their minds up about which shoes they like!). Also, they measure the children's feet, which gives you confidence that the shoes they sell are going to fit correctly.
On the downside, they don't have a very good range for the children to choose from - often only about three styles per size, and they are way over-priced!
As for the measuring guide well, a couple of years ago they measured my daughter's feet and sold us a pair of school shoes for about £30 (that's more than I spend of shoes for myself, and I've got bigger feet!). Well, she wore them for a week and then announced they rubbed and were uncomfortable. £30 down the drain. So much for the measurements!
Another time, I bought my daughter a pair of brown boots (the ones with that little doll thing hidden in the sole). The sales assistant persuaded me to buy some special paint/polish which would magically repair scuff marks to the leather. Of course, my daughter being who she is, she managed to scuff them the very next day. So out came the posh magic repair kit. Now, I kind of assumed that being Clarks repair stuff specially designed for use with Clarks boots, that the colour would match. Silly me! Totally different shade of brown, and a complete waste of money. Suffice to say I am not impressed with Clarks and tend to shop elsewhere these days. read more