Heartbreak as beloved UK department store closes - opened in 1891

Heartbreak as beloved UK department store closes - opened in 1891A beloved department store is closing and has launched a huge clearance sale. It has been in business for more than 130 years. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Brian Dillon, Audience Writer 09:59, Tue, Jun 2, 2026 Updated: 10:03, Tue, Jun 2, 2026 The department store has announced a huge clearance sale (Image: Getty)A beloved UK department store is shutting its doors for good after being in business since 1891. The shop, which sells clothing, homeware and furniture, among other things, has blamed the "growing economic pressure" for making the decision. Barsleys Department Store in Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, announced the closure with "heavy hearts", revealing that all 36 staff members would lose their jobs. window.scriptsToLoad.push({url:'https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjknzwqh&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v118222',triggeredBy:'tcfLoaded',delay:1500,containerId:'ovp-primis',title:"Primis player",beforeLoad:()=>{window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v118222"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}})},}) It is currently run by dad and daughter duo Richard and Alice Barsley, who describe the decision as "difficult". An initial closing-down sale began on Friday, May 15, but further reductions have been made since. The business had announced back in February that it was seeking a new owner as the retail sector was facing significant challenges, but it has since announced its permanent closure. The historic business was founded by Charles Barsley in 1891. It is still on the market with Lawson Commercial for £1.9 million and available to let for £145,000 a year. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and Wo...