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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I feel sorry for Clark's Shoes staff

60 replies

MT2017 · 02/11/2019 11:11

Visited there mid week with DS1 and DD. DS1 is in large men's size, was told there were only two pairs in his size - boots and slippers. Confused
DD in very normal size (6) - nothing in her size at all in black lace up school shoes.

I felt really sorry for the woman serving us, her service was fine but due to the lack of shoes in stock we couldn't buy anything.

Had to order online and couldn't order next day as they were originally coming from different places, then had email to say they would be arriving together on Tuesday. Nearly a week!

AIBU to think their staff should be better supported by the stockroom?

OP posts:
Lockheart · 02/11/2019 11:12

What? Sometimes stock is low. It's no big deal, although it is annoying, but it just happens occasionally.

PinkiOcelot · 02/11/2019 11:13

I gave up going to Clarks years ago. I think their shoes are pricy and not well made. They look and go shabby early on. Not worth the money.

Crystal87 · 02/11/2019 11:16

Every time I go there I have the same issue. They have limited styles on the shelves anyway, but then either nothing or only one style of shoe in my children's size. Very rarely do I leave the shop with the shoes I wanted.

tttigress · 02/11/2019 11:16

Erm - is this really the end of the world?

You make it sound like the sales women has been on the recieving end of some horrific injustice.

Simonfromharlow · 02/11/2019 11:17

I have this problem where I work. The ordering system is so odd. One item we had none of for weeks and and weeks and after 3 deliveries we had last week we now have so many they won't fit in the stock room.

It's embarrassing when people are asking you for things and it's just no sorry for everything!

SpookilyBadOooooooh · 02/11/2019 11:20

What are you on about?

It’s not like she’s going to be flogged for not selling you shoes they don’t have

Sunshineonthesilverlining · 02/11/2019 11:23

My DD went there to buy comfy black shoes for work. 3 pairs in a row she picked up they never had in her size, so the staff member brought her a pair of mens shoes as an option 😂 They were far too wide and high, obviously! She left with no shoes.

rainbowconfetti · 02/11/2019 11:29

I'm not sure I follow. Why should people feel sorry for the staff when it's the customer who suffers?

StillCoughingandLaughing · 02/11/2019 11:30

I last went to Clark’s about ten years ago. I tried on a reduced shoe that was out on the rack. I decided to buy, so asked the salesperson to get the other one. She returned with a shoe that was the same style, but a much lighter colour. I told her she’d brought the wrong one and showed her the first one again. She said ‘Oh no, it is the right one; it’s just that they’re old stock and this one’s faded. That’s why they’re reduced’.

I said they must be mad to think anyone would buy what are effectively odd shoes, no matter how cheap they are. I haven’t been back since and it sounds like they haven’t got any better.

Jollitwiglet · 02/11/2019 11:33

Why do you feel sorry for her?

She will still get paid despite not selling you any shoes

Baguetteaboutit · 02/11/2019 11:33

I get practically all the kid's shoes from Clarks and have never had a problem. Maybe I'm just lucky that my local one is well stocked?

Strangerthingshere · 02/11/2019 11:36

I agree, when we go to Clark's sometimes it has been a case of what they've had in the right size and then picking, as opposed to finding a shoe we want and then asking for their size. It's a shame

MrsMoastyToasty · 02/11/2019 11:40

I've had problems buying shoes for myself. I'm a size 5, probably the most popular size. I selected a style that I liked the look of from the display and asked for it in my size. Assistant dashed off to the stockroom and returned a short while later with a pair of 4's and a pair of 7's. Would I like to try them?
Er no.
Come on, size 5 must be their largest market.

Basketofkittens · 02/11/2019 11:43

I doubt the staff actually care. Why would they take it personally? It’s a pair of shoes.

ShinyGiratina · 02/11/2019 11:43

I have the kind of feet where the opening line is "what do you have in size x"
Then the assistant brings what's in stock.
Then I try them on and assess all the different ways they will hurt my feet (too narrow, wide enough but too long, pressure on a bad spot)
I might buy the least uncomfortable pair or leave with nothing.

Fortunately I hate buying shoes as much as shoes hate my feet and I don't inflict myself upon shoe shop staff very often.

underneaththeash · 02/11/2019 11:45

Same problem in our store. We just go to get measured knowing that we'll have to order online. Utterly pointless IMO to have a shoe shop with poor stock.

PlasticPatty · 02/11/2019 11:45

I never feel sorry for Clarks Shoe shop staff. They are invariably up themselves. I have nearly sixty years experience of shopping for Clark's shoes and can only think of one occasion on which the assistant contributed positively to the experience.

SunshineAngel · 02/11/2019 11:47

I always had a nightmare getting school shoes from Clarks. Tbh I find it easier going to the likes of Asda or Tesco - or even Shoe Zone! Much wider choice, and much cheaper.

KitNCaboodle · 02/11/2019 11:48

Clarks has changed so much over the past 20 years. I used to work there and fit was so important - there was lots of training and checking before you could be called a trained fitter. Nowadays it feels like it’s all about sell, sell, sell. I avoid as much as possible now.

Birdsfoottrefoil · 02/11/2019 11:51

I learnt early on in children’s shoe shopping never to bother asking for a specific size or a style on display but rather say ‘bring out any you have in his/her size’. If we were lucky we would get a choice of three. On a bad day it would take four shoe shops (including independents) to find any that fit. Clark’s were no better or worse than the rest.

Grandmi · 02/11/2019 11:52

Crikey...what a strange post!!

DisgruntledGuineaPig · 02/11/2019 11:53

I assume the OP means people go in, get their dcs fitted/measured, but due to lack of stock, end up ordering on line. This makes it look like the staff aren't needed/aren't able to sell the shoes, and eventually will lead to stores shutting and staff being laid off. Not because they cant provide the service, not because theres not demand to go in, be measured and buy shoes in a physical shop, but because after not getting what you need in store, buying on line.

I ordered brown boots from them after trying on the same boots in black in store. I wish when ordering online there was a box to say you had been in store and unable to buy what you needed, it gives the impression I was happy to just buy online without a staffed shop.

GabsAlot · 02/11/2019 11:55

You dont have to buy from them get measured then go somewhere else

Crunched · 02/11/2019 11:55

I do feel Clark’s are focused on their online presence. There is a far wider choice than in my local store. It is a shame but seems to be the story of the High Street.

GinZinger · 02/11/2019 12:04

As a former Clark's sales assistant myself, please believe me that she's was not wringing her hands as she watched you leave, desperately sad that she couldn't fulfill your shoe needs on this occasion Grin

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