Barretts - A Potted History

1888	First opened by Arthur Barrett as a small men’s clothing shop on the corner of Market Square and New Street, St Neots.
1889	Charles Huckle employed as an assistant aged 12.
1893	Mr Barrett died from meningitis aged 29. Charles Huckle continued working for Barrett's widow, Kitty.
1908	Mrs Barrett died and Charles Huckle took on the business.
1912-1927	Shop premises extended along the New Street frontage in various stages over a period of 15 years.
1931	45 Market Square acquired, demolished and rebuilt. Ladieswear and footwear introduced alongside menswear.
1945	Charles Huckle's sons Peter and David join the business.
1949	47 Market Square and 3 New Street purchased from landlord.
1956	Major alteration and extension of 45/47 Market Square.
1957	Charles Huckle died following a stroke aged 79. He had worked at and been instrumental in the development of Barretts for 67 years.
1960	New shop front 45/47 Market Square.
1965	Major alterations to entire premises incorporating former living accommodation on first floor. Sales area almost doubled.
1975	Peter Huckle's son Ted joins the business.
1980	Peter Huckle retires.
1983	Rear access to Priory Lane constructed.
1986	David Huckle retires. Ted’s brother Alan joins the firm.
1988	Centenary year.
1989	20 year lease acquired on 43 Market Square. Clarks Shoe concession opened.
1990	Purchase of 5/7 New Street, formerly Wade-Gery/Adlams Solicitors. Entire block now occupied. Departments in clothing, footwear, linens, gifts, wool and fabrics.
1991	Brackenbury’s coffee shop opened.
1993	Toys department introduced.
1994	Books department opened.
2000	Entire store remodelled to focus on books, gifts, toys and complementary departments. All clothing departments closed. New shopfront installed.
2004	Bookselling operation taken over by Ottakar’s.
2006	Ottakar’s taken over by Waterstone’s.
2009	Lease expired on rear unit 43 Market Square (Priory Lane).
Today	Store still trading as an independent, family-owned and run business thanks to all our customers over the years.

Address:
Barretts of St Neots Ltd
47 Market Square
St Neots
Cambs
PE19 2BA

Telephone:
01480 408700

Fax:
01480 408701

E-Mail:
mail@barrettsofstneots.co.uk

It can often be difficult to make your mind up on what to buy someone for that special occasion so why not purchase some of our fabulous gift vouchers, available in £5, £10 and £20 denominations.

The vouchers can be purchased from any of our Service Desks instore and they can be used to make purchases from any of Barretts own departments.

Waterstones sell their own gift vouchers separately.