'We're gutted' - Family-run business in Birmingham to close after 100 years - here's why

Barry’s Fabrics has been trading in the city centre for almost 100 years.

Barry’s, which has sold a range of dress, craft and soft furnishing fabrics - is now set to close due to the Smithfield Development, which requires the store to relocate, but Barry has decided to retire instead.

Over the years, the company has even attaracted customers from overseas due to its reputation while being run by the same family since the 1930s when it was based at Birmingham's Rag Market. The business has also expanded over the years with site locations operating in Manchester and Blackburn, as well as Birmingham.

The North West stores are set to remain open.

Speaking to ITV News about the closure, Barry said: “It’s sad. We’re going back probably from the 1930s from my grandfather who first came here into the rag market, and then my father took over and then I took over in 1977 - traded on the market and realised I liked being in Birmingham so opened the shop in Gloucester Street.”

Now located on Moseley Street, the business is scheduled to close in the summer after it received a compulsory purchase order from Birmingham City Council to make way for the Smithfield regeneration, which will build new homes and offices in the area.

Instead of relocating to another location, Barry has made the decision to retire the business.

Customers ‘gutted’

Responding to the news on social media, one person wrote: “Oh I’m so sad to hear this. Brum won’t be the same without you, people travel from all over to visit Barry’s.”

Another wrote: “I’m gutted to hear this.” Another said: “I genuinely feel so sad about this, a mega mega loss for Birmingham. Hope everyone in the team is ok, petition to keep Barry’s open please.”