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.