Cheltenham town centre faces another retail setback as Clarks, the beloved shoe brand known for catering to families, has permanently closed its High Street branch at the junction with Pittville Street. The two-storey store, a familiar stop for parents shopping for their children’s footwear, now stands vacant, marking yet another challenge for the town’s retail environment.
In a statement issued to Gloucestershire Live, Clarks expressed gratitude to customers who supported the Cheltenham store over the years: “Clarks confirms its store on Cheltenham High Street has closed. We’d like to thank our loyal customers who have shopped with us at this store. We look forward to continuing to serve them through our full product range available online and at nearby Clarks locations in Worcester, Cribbs Causeway, and Bath, as well as our outlet store at Gloucester Quays.”
This closure echoes a broader trend affecting Cheltenham’s high street, which has seen several notable businesses, including cafés and restaurants, cease operations recently. The Fired Earth showroom in Montpellier Walk closed following the parent company’s administration at the end of October, while other well-known eateries such as Ask Italian, Ox, Cake Alchemist, Domain 16, and The Find have also shuttered their doors.
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Further, the Starbucks at Boots’ Corner on the Promenade will close on Saturday, November 29. However, there is some optimism as a new Tesco Express plans to open in the area, and ethical luxury brand Freckleface is moving into the Promenade, signaling fresh retail investment.
Clarks itself has been under significant financial strain. Amidst a nearly £100 million revenue decline reported in August, the company has cut more than 1,200 jobs in the latest fiscal year alone. The workforce has shrunk from 7,413 to 6,161 as the retailer attempts to streamline operations. Alongside these cutbacks, Clarks posted a pre-tax loss of £39.2 million, with its revenue falling from £994.5 million in 2023 to £901.3 million last year.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, Clarks has closed multiple other stores, including outlets in Walsall, Witham, and Thanet, reflecting a nationwide downsizing strategy amid challenging market conditions.
Local authorities acknowledge the difficulties facing Cheltenham’s retail and hospitality sectors. During a recent council meeting, former councillor Tim Harman raised concerns about the wave of closures and asked what measures are being taken to support affected businesses. Cabinet member Izaac Tailford responded by highlighting factors beyond the council’s direct control, such as national business rates, increasing rents, and rising material costs, all putting pressure on local enterprises.
Nevertheless, Tailford emphasized Cheltenham’s relatively low vacancy rates—between eight and nine percent compared to a 14 percent national average—and the strength of its vibrant cultural scene, which contributes positively to the local hospitality industry. The council remains committed to promoting the town and collaborating with partners to foster business growth despite the current economic challenges.