15 jobs created following £3m Barkers Furnishing Store extension

The £3m redevelopment of Barkers Furnishing Store in Northallerton, which will create up to 15 new jobs, is entering its final phase.

The significant revamp is set to be completed just before Christmas, and the Yafforth Road business, which already employs 45 staff, plans to take on new full and part-time staff.

The expansion of the furnishing store marks the biggest investment by the family-owned business, which also own Barkers department store on Northallerton High Street.

The redevelopment will see Barkers Furnishing Store expand by 20,000 sq ft to 60,000 sq ft to create a section for contemporary furniture, bigger linens department, new cookshop and new gifts section, while there will also be a renovation of the store’s first-floor bedroom furniture and soft furnishings section.

In addition, the Tree View Cafe will also be upgraded as part of the expansion programme, with capacity increased to 150 seats.

Ian Barker, the director of Barkers Furnishing Store, said: “As well as the new development, we are also conducting a total revamp of our first floor because we wanted to improve the store to give it a modern, contemporary feel and improve customer experience.

“This is the biggest development in Barkers’ history since the Furnishing Store opened, and we are delighted to announce that the expansion will create a number of new jobs, both full and part-time.

“This is our commitment to Northallerton as we plan to be around for many years to come and continue to be a familiar name in the town. There is always room for improvement and we are trying to be stronger in all areas.”

Building work started in May and is being undertaken by Darlington-based Wharton Construction, another family business, which has worked with Barkers for the past 10 years.

Barkers’ substantial investment will be a major boost to the Northallerton economy and showcases the family firm’s long-term commitment to the town.

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