How to get the most out of your 'Back To School' visit to Clarks

Clarks asked us whether we would like to review their 'Back To School' service and gave us a voucher to spend on shoes for the boys.

The first thing they did was make us an appointment. I had no idea you could make an appointment, but you can. Simply phone the shop and ask. When you arrive, just give the assistant your name and you will be seen straight away. No taking a number. No forgetting to take a number and waiting fruitlessly.

Clarks are geared up for the Back To School rush. They have plenty of room, plenty of staff and plenty of stock, but be prepared for the shop to be busy. The staff will hand your child a magazine with a pair of 3D glasses attached. I've read somewhere (sorry, can't find the link) that children under 5 shouldn't wear 3D glasses because their eyes are still developing, so maybe this wasn't ideal for little ones, but it kept them entertained for a while.

We were served by Holly and she was wonderful with the boys. She measured their feet and discussed shoe options with us. She brought out a selection of shoes for Presley to try and looked competent at fitting them and checking for comfort. We chose some trainer-style shoes as his feet are off-the-scale narrow and these gave the best fit. We were given insoles free of charge to give an even better fit, with advice to return in 8 weeks to have the shoes checked.

These are his lovely new shoes, a bargain at £24:

We were also encouraged to come in any time to have the boys feet measured or their shoes checked. This tells me that Clarks are concerned about children's feet. My suggestion that Cash try a pair of Presley's shoes from last year that are now his size wasn't discouraged. Holly suggested we come in with the shoes and get them checked out. (We did and they are too big, so Cash also got a new pair of shoes, the same as his brother) .

I was very happy with the Clarks Back To School experience.

I was even happier when I was given an A/W leaflet with a coupon for a 20% discount. I've got my eyes on these boots:

How to get the most out of your 'Back To School' visit to Clarks

Crying in Clarks

I sent a tweet this morning. I had no idea how prophetic I was being.

I did cry in Clarks today, but not at the price of the shoes.

Last year I wrote about what happened one afternoon at playgroup when I couldn't find Presley. Today all of those feelings came flooding back.

I had taken the boys into Mothercare World in their double buggy (the one I keep in the back of the car, the one that makes it difficult to fit my supermarket shopping in the boot), but had let Presley out to play in a Little Tykes car.

After a while we all went to the Clarks concession to get the boys' feet measured. Presley went first. Good news, there was at least another month in his Winter shoes. Next we measured Cash's feet, his shoes were fine too. Result!

I looked up and Presley had gone. I spun round and scanned the room, he wasn't in Clarks. I started calling him and ran out into the main store, fully expecting him to be back in the car, or looking at the toys in Early Learning Centre. He wasn't there. I couldn't see him.

I shouted his name and started running around the store, handbag and younger child abandoned with the Clarks assistant.

I was panicking. Oh my God. Not again. PRESLEY! PRESLEY!

Another mother, we'd smiled at each other earlier, grabbed my arm and pointed me in the right direction.  'He's over there', she said.

Presley was standing still, in amongst the cots, a look of terror on his face. I ran over, picked him up and carried him back to his brother. Presley started crying, he knew he'd done something wrong. He knew he'd been lost.

I reminded him that he should always stay where he can see mummy and where mummy can see him. Then I cried. I'm crying now. I feel sick. There is nothing as terrifying as the thought that you could lose your child. 

When we got home I taught the boys a new game. They now know what to do if we're out and they can't see me. They shout 'MUMMY' at the tops of their voices. I hope they never need to do it for real, but just in case we'll be playing the 'I'm lost' game on a regular basis.

Crying in Clarks