Barry's Fabrics, a Birmingham fabric shop founded in the Rag Market in the 1930s, will close for good in October. The family-run business, located at 1 Moseley Street in Digbeth, is making way for the new Smithfield Development in the neighbourhood.
Barry Leon has managed the shop his grandfather founded nearly 100 years ago, taking over from his father in 1977. The store sells dress, craft and soft furnishing fabrics to Brummies who use them to dress their families and homes with bargain buys.
Compulsory Purchase Order Forces Closure
Barry's received a compulsory purchase order from the council, meaning the shop had no choice but to leave its current location. The business moved to Gloucester Street in its own bricks-and-mortar shop before the Bullring redevelopment forced a move to Digbeth in 2000.
The closure was announced to customers last spring, sparking sadness in the community. The shop initially expected to close in 2025 but says the complexity of the sale meant it stayed open longer than anticipated.
Final Closing Date Announced
Now the final closing date is on the horizon, with Barry's shutting for good in October. The shop told shoppers they had until the 'end of October' to visit before the brand is gone for good in Digbeth, just shy of its centenary.
Barry's said it was 'the end of an era for Barry's and Birmingham'. The announcement prompted emotional responses from customers, with one follower, Helena, commenting: "Very sad news but what a legacy Barry's Fabrics has had - all good things must come to an end I guess."
Another customer, Mandy Shone, wrote: "This is just too sad. Been shopping with the lovely ladies at Barry's for dance and production costumes for around 26 years."
Opening Hours and Location
Barry's is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 10am until 5pm, and from 10am until 5:30pm on Saturdays. It is closed on Sunday and Monday. The shop is located at 1 Moseley Street, Digbeth, B5 6JX.
