WHEN the doors closed at Clarks in Blandford on Monday evening (April 22), it was the end of an era.
But not only was that because the Market Place store, which had been providing shoes for decades, was shutting down, but it also marked the end of Jill Cornick’s service.
Jill worked at the branch for a whopping 69 years.
Both she and the shop itself – in various guises – will have seen children coming in for new school shoes, before returning with their children, and even grandchildren, as the decades passed.
However, as high streets across the country change with the times, Clarks is the latest staple of our shopping lives to leave Blandford.
A spokesperson for the firm, which has its headquarters in Somerset, paid tribute to customers, staff and, of course, Jill.
Jill Cornick worked at the shoe shop that became Clarks, in Blandford, for 68 years
“Clarks confirms its store at Blandford Forum has closed,” they said.
“We’d like to thank our loyal customers who have shopped with us at our Blandford Forum store, and we’ll be delighted to continue to serve them with our full range of products online and at our nearby Clarks stores in Wimborne, Poole and Bournemouth.
“We sincerely thank all members of the store team for their contributions and commitment to providing outstanding customer service.
“We would specifically like to thank Jill Cornick, whose unprecedented 68 years of service and dedication to the our customers is hugely valued by all at Clarks.”
I think Jill corner ought to get Longtime achievement award for her dedication. She has put clarks of blanford. Not only for clarks but also for the customers that has gone in. She’s made them all very welcome over the years.. She is just one lovely lady. I ve known for a long, long time, x
A very sad day for Blandford, even worse for Jill, she has given all her working years to Clarks, really hope they show their appreciation to Jill , we bought our shoes, our son and daughter first shoes, school shoes, then along came their children, Jill has served us all, we have many wonderful memories.
Well done Jill for all the years you worked there
Brilliant service from Jill over all those years ❤️
Used to buy my shoes from Clarkes in Blandford and of course Jill right from the mid 60s Jill hasn’t changed a bit since those days.
Time to wear those Clarks slippers Jill. The shop will be missed in Blandford, and of course Jill Cornick, who will miss all the customers in the 68years of service.
When we first moved to Blandford many years ago, Jill in the Clarks shop was one of the first people I got to know – so friendly and welcoming, it really made a difference to a newcomer to the town. Good to see your face in the paper. Hoping you really enjoy your retirement.
Thankyou to you all I just loved my job so much and I will miss the children’s department . Say hello if you see me in town.