After three decades of craftsmanship and dedication, Rickards, one of the last remaining shoe repairers & clog makers in Wigan , is closing its doors on Hallgate. This marks the end of a significant chapter for a business that has been a cornerstone of the town’s cultural and historical fabric. A Legacy of Craftsmanship Rickards has been synonymous with quality and tradition since its establishment.
Specialising in the creation of traditional clogs, and footwear repairs the business has catered to a loyal clientele who appreciate the art and durability of handcrafted footwear. The workshop on Hallgate has been a hive of activity, where the skilled hands of artisans transformed raw materials into functional and beautiful clogs. The tiny, “Tommy Tin” clogs some of which are two inches in size and displayed within the highstreet window have been hand made by the Rickard family themselves.
The Hallgate Era For 30 years, Hallgate has been the heart of Rickards’ operations, with husband and wife, Michael and Ann Rickard operating from the premises, which was purchased originally by Michael’s father, Thomas. Thomas Rickard now aged 90, started in footwear in 1949 initially at Mellings in Newtown and then at Bert Smiths whose shop also used to be on Hallgate, but after returning from National Service he found his job had been taken he then decided to go it alone in 1957 and had shops in Walkden and Bolton. The premises on Hallgate not only housed the workshop but also serve.
