A MUCH loved shoe shop has closed down in Richmond town centre.

Clarks, which has stood on George Street for decades selling footwear, closed its doors on Saturday (November 12).

Store manager Jennie Livingstone, who has worked at the shop for 35 years, said it was a very sad day when the shop shut for the final time.

Jennie, who originally trained as a florist, started at the Hounslow Clarks in 1986 as a sales assistant and within a month she was transferred to the Richmond branch.

She said: "I feel very sad, but it has been a happy journey because I have had lots of happy people working for me.

"One of my fondest memories was going to the Clarks wedding of two of my former staff members who met at the shop as teenagers and went on to get married and have a baby."

Jennie explained that she has known many of the regular customers for decades and some have been "absolutely devastated" about the closure.

She added: "I will really miss the customers, so many have said they will miss the shop, many have been beside themselves that we are shutting.

"Many have said 'don't go' and have asked 'is there anything they can do to stop it?'

"It's really sad what is happening to the high street, too many shops are closing.

"We get lots of locals who want to stay and shop in Richmond."

A Clarks spokesperson said: “Clarks confirms its store on George Street, Richmond, closed on Saturday 12 November 2022.

"We have a strong duty of care to all our employees, and we are working closely with the store team as they go through a period of consultation, which will include possible options to transfer to other Clarks stores.

"Customers can continue to shop from our full range of products online and at our nearby Clarks stores across London.”