Really disappointed, we’ve bought all the kids shoes here since they were babies but won’t be returning after our recent visit. We were sold a pair of shoes which ended up being too tight on my little boy and left marks across the top of his feet. I had chosen a size 9 in store as the staff advised during fitting that they were the best fit however, when we got home, I noticed that the shoes we had been given were only a 8.5. Very helpful staff on the phone (in their Ballymena office I believe) advised us to return to the Ards shop to get them changed however, when we called down, staff there were adamant that the shoes fitted and they were just new shoes / it had been a warm day. I found the staff quite dismissive and a young female member of staff said the shoes didn’t come in the size 9 I had previously selected. No refund or exchange was offered and I just left feeling a bit confused and like I’d maybe made a mistake. We got home and I really wasn’t happy with my toddler’s wee feet all red again so I decided he couldn’t wear the shoes again and took a photo and emailed it to Cordners. Same helpful person phoned and agreed, regardless of the size, that the shoes were too tight. She apologised we’d not had a great experience in store and reassured me that if I went back and dealt with the manger, all would be resolved. She said I should have been given the option to return them in store. I was advised to return and ask for the manager who would resolve the issue. What followed was a very strange visit where I asked for the manager and was told they weren’t available. The shoes were there in a size 9 for us to try however the young member of staff I had previously spoken to was there and she became involved when I tried to make an exchange. She claimed she never told me the shoes didn’t come in a 9. She also held the shoes we had aloft in the middle of the shop and said we couldn’t return them because they had been worn. Someone who identified themselves as a duty manager appeared and was particularly unpleasant. She kept cutting across me whilst standing over me stony faced and saying she already knew the story when I tried to explain what had happened on our last visit. She said she wouldn’t be taking the shoes back and told me it was my fault I hadn’t managed to return them on the previous visit because I didn’t ask for the right person. I tried to explain that the person on the phone had said I could return them for a refund. She kept trying to argue with me and I was sitting there with my child so I said I was going to try and call the person I had spoken to in the office to resolve things. The manager then said she was the one who would be telling the girl on the phone what to do so I should just speak to her. Really condescending and poor attitude from someone who was meant to be there to assist customers. All I wanted was the correct pair of shoes for my little one’s growing feet. Thankfully my mother who had been shopping nearby then appeared and asked me if everything was ok. The duty manager’s attitude changed somewhat and she agreed to refund the shoes but the whole experience was upsetting and embarrassing. My toddler was there the whole time and the duty manager showed absolutely no care for the fact that he had marks on his feet from their shop initially giving us the wrong shoes. We used to buy at least 4-5 pairs of shoes here every year but I won’t be taking my children back to see their mother being spoken to in such a manner again.
Contacts & Location
📍 Address: 13 Conway Square, Newtownards BT23 4DA, United Kingdom
📞 Phone: +44 28 9181 3144
🌐 Website: cordners.co.uk
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Reviews
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Laura M ★☆☆☆☆
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Nick Nicholson ★★★★☆
A good experience, I needed a pair of formal(ish) shoes, they didn't have them in my fitting size. They promised to source them from another shop, and phone me when they arrived. That's exactly what they did. Excellent service.
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Ulsterman ★★★★★
I am suffering from a back issue which causes my feet to swell making shoe purchase difficult. Today the 21st July 2025 I went to Cordners in Newtownards in the hope of getting suitable shoes. I was served by Tara who went out of her way to ensure I got the shoes most suitable for my needs. I cannot praise her enough for her help, she is a credit to Cordners and our young people in general. Thank you Tara.
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Christine Martin ★★★★★
We were looking for new light up blue trainers for my son. There were at least 4 different pairs in his size. He tried them all on. The shop assistant was great. She was patient, helpful, and offered useful advice. My son enjoyed himself and loves his new shoes. A very positive experience.
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Lynda Broderick ★★★★★
Extremely helpful staff.Great range of styles.
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Lisa McBriar ★★★★★
Best place for kids shoes. Great selection and the best staff
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Kelly ferris ★★★★☆
I really liked this place. Only problem is that its so popular its too crowded so be prepared for a long wait even though there are a lot of staff they have a lot of people to get through. I will tell you so as to avoid the shock its very pricey so if you're looking a bargain go elsewhere. The truth is you get what yo pay for and the day I went in I was looking for something smart casual and comfortable which after trying on quite a few pairs I got exactly what I wanted. Job done girls were lovely so helpful and prices on everything also im a size 3 which I can never get and all the shoes I tried on they had a 3 so I'll know where to head to next time.
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Allison Dean ★★★★★
A beautiful shop with a wide variety of footwear for all ages. Staff are fantastic helpful and go out of there way to accommodate your needs. 1st class
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Joe McCarthy ★★★★★
Louise served us today, such a lovely person. Took time to ensure my son got school shoes suitable and comfortable for him while also engaging with my daughter in a fun way. No experience of the other staff but Louise was fantastic, well done. We will no doubt be back.
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FAQs
What is the address of Cordners?
Cordners is located at 13 Conway Square, Newtownards BT23 4DA, United Kingdom
What is the phone number of Cordners?
You can contact Cordners at +44 28 9181 3144
How can I get to Cordners?
You can find directions to Cordners by following this map link