Closing date nears for 100-year-old Birmingham shop as Rag Market legend says 'last chance'

A Birmingham fabric shop that was founded in the Rag Market in the 1930s is set to close for good in a month.

Barry’s Fabrics on Moseley Street in Digbeth will shut up shop in October to make way for the new Smithfield Development in the neighbourhood.

Barry Leon has been managing the fabric shop his grandfather founded nearly 100 years ago, taking over from his father in 1977.

Barry’s sells dress, craft and soft furnishing fabrics to Brummies who go on to dress their families and homes with their bargain buys.

The family-run business moved to Gloucester Street in its own bricks-and-mortar shop before Bullring redevelopment forced a move to Digbeth in 2000.

Now Barry has a compulsory purchase order from the council, meaning the shop had no choice but to leave the current location.

Barry’s announced the closure to customers last spring, sparking sadness in the community.

It expected to close in 2025 but says that the complexity of the sale meant staying open longer than anticipated.

Now the final closing date is on the horizon, with Barry’s shutting for good in October.

Barry’s 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.

It said it was ‘the end of an era for Barry’s and Birmingham ‘.

Follower Helena commented: “Very sad news but what a legacy Barry’s Fabrics has had – all good things must come to an end I guess.”

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.”

Barry’s is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 10am until 5pm and from 10am until 5:30pm on Saturdays. It’s closed Sunday and Monday.

You’ll find it at 1 Moseley Street, Digbeth, B5 6JX.

Closing date nears for 100-year-old Birmingham shop as Rag Market legend says ‘last chance’