Clarks pulling promotion

[CaffineismyBFF]

Brought a pair of clarks shoes in the summer with the promise that these could be replaced if my child outgrows them before the end of February. My daughter was complaining about them in mid-November so we went back and they were adamant her size hadn't changed but she was on the verge of being the next size, but come back in the Christmas holidays for a resize then.

Now I've just heard that the promotion has been pulled. I'm not a happy bunny! I specifically asked in store when I purchased the shoes what happens if we go into another lockdown and was reassured they would extend the promotion. Had I known, I would have brought cheaper alternatives rather than spending £50 on a pair of school shoes shes only worn for a term.

Kind of split views on social media, some are fuming and vowing never to shop at clarks again (I'm in that camp) and hoping they go bust (which I'm not!) And others are telling people to suck it up and stop whinging.

I'm guessing those who are telling others to stop whinging are those who can afford £50 shoes every term. I can't. As a "goodwill" they have offered a measley 30% discount on new school shoes if purchased by March. They're having a laugh! They are expecting us to spend more when we were promised new shoes due to their guarantee. I wasn't planning to spend on another pair of school shoes and even with the 30% off it makes them £35.

AIBU to think they are copping out on thousands of customers? Probably going to lose a lot of business as a result of this decision. 100% will never buy clarks again.

[ShesMadeATwatOfMePam]

Yeah that's really poor.

[mummyh2016]

I agree however extending the programme would probably have meant everyone who was eligible would've had new shoes, they would probably have gone out of business. They shouldn't have the done the promotion to start with.

[AStudyinPink]

I think it’s the cost of doing business with kids, tbh. Feet grow. I wouldn’t expect a pair of school shoes to last more than 6 months.

[IncludeWomenInTheSequel]

Clarks is an absolute bloody racket anyway, just make this the last time you pay for over-priced shoes that are no better than, say, Matalan.

[IncludeWomenInTheSequel]

But I would be astounded if kids school shoes lasted seven months anyway!

[Plonque]

Everyone will have barely worn uniforms from the last year.
Clarks can't give everyone free shoes, they're a company not a charity.
It will have been there in the small print with its little asterisk *subject to X, Y and Z terms and conditions - can be terminated at any time blah blah.
I would have been more surprised if it hadn't been pulled.

[CaffineismyBFF]

They had 2 bands for the promotion
Younger kids were eligible until November and older ran until end of February.

I've heard Tread shoes fair well and they have a specific sizing system which means they actually last an academic year. Anyone have any experience of these? I read a blog where someone was sent a pair to test against a range of shoes and tbh they didn't look that great come the end of the first term thats why I didn't purchase from them this year.

[CaffineismyBFF]

@Plonque

Everyone will have barely worn uniforms from the last year.
Clarks can't give everyone free shoes, they're a company not a charity.
It will have been there in the small print with its little asterisk *subject to X, Y and Z terms and conditions - can be terminated at any time blah blah.
I would have been more surprised if it hadn't been pulled.

I spoke to staff about this in store at the point of purchase. Thats the thing that pisses me off because they pretty much guaranteed an extension. I can't be the only person who was told this, maybe it was some sly sales tactic from Clarks.

Its not about being a charity, they offered a promotion and now they are copping out. People brought from them in good faith and their advertising, not to be mislead in that way.

[BikeRunSki]

Blimey! They used to only replace outgrown shoes outgrown for 6 weeks!

[4Mongrels]

I’m not surprised. The impact Covid would have had on their business now all their branches are closed would likely mean the promotion is now unaffordable.

I would be disappointed but understanding of the decision.

[Sirzy]

I think offering a 30% discount is very generous really.

If they are still in good condition as hardly worn then give them away to someone else so they get some use

[user1471462428]

I used to be a fan of Clarks but last few pairs we’ve had have fallen apart within 2 months and they wouldn’t replace them. I realised I’d spent 120 on shoes in one term. I got some primark ones and they’re impossible to destroy.

[CaffineismyBFF]

@Sirzy

I think offering a 30% discount is very generous really.

If they are still in good condition as hardly worn then give them away to someone else so they get some use

I don't think its generous at all. Considering the cost price of their shoes is probably a few pounds and the mark up is ridiculous. I'm sure there was a watchdog piece on them a few years ago for those who vow their quality is the best.

[Brighterthansunflowers]

YABU

They’re not pulling it by the sounds of it, they’re just not extending it. Which makes sense! No one knows how long lockdown will last, it could be months. And the longer they extend the promotion for the more kids will naturally outgrow their shoes and their parents will demand free shoes. Putting increased strain on a business no doubt already suffering from successive lockdowns

Kids feet grow, often at inconvenient times. The only ones responsible for proving shoes are their parents. Clark’s don’t owe you free shoes.

[CaffineismyBFF]

@Brighterthansunflowers

YABU

They’re not pulling it by the sounds of it, they’re just not extending it. Which makes sense! No one knows how long lockdown will last, it could be months. And the longer they extend the promotion for the more kids will naturally outgrow their shoes and their parents will demand free shoes. Putting increased strain on a business no doubt already suffering from successive lockdowns

Kids feet grow, often at inconvenient times. The only ones responsible for proving shoes are their parents. Clark’s don’t owe you free shoes.

I never said Clarks need to put shoes on my kids feet. I'm well aware of that, but thanks for the basic parenting advice of clothing, feeding and providing the essentials to my kids.

My point is about their promotion and not honouring it.

[Aroundtheworldin80moves]

I think it's getting to the point schools should stop with uniforms until the situation is stable. Parents shouldn't be having to replace items for them to be barely worn.
I bought new school shoes back in February. Luckily they still fitted in September. She outgrew them in the November lock down... And I bought new ones. Luckily only Asda ones, as at this rate they won't be worn again.

[SallyTimms]

I was going to agree with you. But Brighter makes sense. Plus Clarkes is over priced crap with shocking customer service.

[CarolEffingBaskin]

YABU to shop at Clark’s at all because their shoes are overpriced shite.

Stick to Treads. Better value, far superior customer service and my kids shoes genuinely so last the year - sometimes more - and look brilliant after that long.

[Sirzy]

There post on Facebook makes it pretty clear why they have had to make the decision. It was only due to run to the end of February anyway by which time it’s highly unlikely tne shops will be open again.

Extending it beyond that wouldn’t make any business sense because most children will have outgrown shoes.

Yes it’s a pain but it’s one of those things that couldn’t have been predicted

[CaffineismyBFF]

@Aroundtheworldin80moves

I think it's getting to the point schools should stop with uniforms until the situation is stable. Parents shouldn't be having to replace items for them to be barely worn.
I bought new school shoes back in February. Luckily they still fitted in September. She outgrew them in the November lock down... And I bought new ones. Luckily only Asda ones, as at this rate they won't be worn again.

Yes absolutely agree. If they do go back I think it'll end up getting some cheaper ones to last the rest of the school year. Not prepared to spend £35+ because clarks have decided to be "generous" as a PP stated.

[CaffineismyBFF]

@CarolEffingBaskin

YABU to shop at Clark’s at all because their shoes are overpriced shite.

Stick to Treads. Better value, far superior customer service and my kids shoes genuinely so last the year - sometimes more - and look brilliant after that long.

Lesson learnt!

Do you buy treads? Saw a blog which kind of put me off. They have removable soles which help them last the year right? Or something like that!

[ouchmyfeet]

I've had both pairs of Clark's shoes purchased in August fall apart by January. I've had to replace them as my kids are still in school. Just received an email from Clark's agreeing that the shoes were faulty but only offering store credit in compensation.

I'm pissed off with them and formulating a response. Will look up my rights regarding faulty goods.

I've bought nike shoes for both my sons and they were much cheaper. Appear to be better quality too.

[CheesePleaz]

Do children's feet only grow when they attend school?

[IncludeWomenInTheSequel]

I think if you're at the stage of reading blogs about different brands of shoe you might be overthinking a little. They're just shoes, chill!

[CaffineismyBFF]

@IncludeWomenInTheSequel

I think if you're at the stage of reading blogs about different brands of shoe you might be overthinking a little. They're just shoes, chill!

Lol this was before I got the school shoes was looking at stuff that would last and I came across a blog where someone was comparing them.