NORTHALLERTON furnishing and lifestyle store, Barkers Home, has beaten off competition from some of the biggest names on the high street to land a top award.
The family-owned business on Yafforth Road won the award for its choice and display of items such as candles, picture frames and doorstops, as well as its customer care and marketing of stock.
Barkers Home triumphed at The Greats [CORR] Gift Retailer Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, London, eclipsing renowned department stores, including John Lewis of Oxford Street, London, Fenwick in Colchester and Newcastle, and Bentalls in Kingston upon Thames.
They were awarded Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts at the prestigious awards, which are now in their 15 th year.
Barkers Homewares Buyer Julie Poynton and Homewares Assistant Manager Becci King attended the glittering ceremony, celebrating the best in retail.
The award comes just a year after Barkers Home underwent a £3million redevelopment to create a luxurious lifestyle store. It was the biggest investment by Barkers, which also has the eponymous department store on Northallerton High Street.
Julie said: “The award was open to independent department stores which have shown excellence in all area, including product range, customer care, marketing, product display and commitment to the gift sector.
“We are absolutely thrilled to win the award because this department has been trading for only a year. We were up against huge competition so we were totally shocked.”
Barkers Home was expanded to 60,000 square feet to create a section for contemporary furniture, bigger linens department, new cook, wine and dine section, and gifts section, while there was also a revamp of the first-floor bedroom furniture and soft furnishings section.
Barkers Home director Ian Barker said: “The whole redevelopment transformed Barkers Home into a modern, vibrant store, and to win awards is the icing on the cake.
“We’re so pleased that it’s been such a hit with customers, and to win this highly acclaimed award makes it all the more special.”
Barkers Home employs 60 staff, after the expansion created an extra 15 full and part- time jobs.