Barkers

In 1882, at the age of 14, a local farmer’s son, William Barker, started his apprenticeship with John Oxendale, who had a small draper’s shop in Northallerton. As William Barker’s Career progressed, the shop became known as Oxendale and Barker, and eventually Barkers. 

Today Barkers comprises the High Street Department Store, a 20,000 sq ft Distribution Centre, and the edge of town Home Furnishing Store. Both Retail stores have 40,000 of sales area and in total over 250 local people are employed. The Home Furnishing Store, which is one of the largest in the North of England, was purpose built on the edge of town in 1994. It houses a wide choice of high quality upholstery, cabinet furniture, beds, bed linen, flooring, lighting, soft furnishings, pictures and mirrors, as well as the 94 seat first floor Tree View Café serving light meals, and fresh teas and coffees throughout the day. The store has its own free car park with a capacity of 100 spaces, is completely accessible for the disabled, and has a fleet of vehicles offering a free delivery service within 40 miles of Northallerton.