Barnsley menswear store reaches record sales after liquidation scare

A Yorkshire menswear shop has announced that it has reached record sales in the aftermath of lockdown measures.

Frank Bird, in the centre of Barnsley, has achieved record sales figures after two years of liquidation, pandemic measures and redundancies.

The store, which fell into liquidation in 2019, was purchased by its former employees just six months before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It established an online site, which it says has acted as a ‘third store’, alongside its Barnsley and Wakefield premises.

Neil Tennant, director of Frank Bird, commented: “The business was sold by the Bird family in 2008 and rebranded. It then fell into liquidation in 2019 and we were made redundant.

“We couldn’t stand by and see it disappear. We knew the business was viable and with a few adjustments we knew it could be a success.

“It was in a great location at the heart of both The Glass Works regeneration scheme and Eldon Street Heritage Action Zone. We felt the future was bright.

“The website is like a third store to us now. We’re really proud that we’ve managed to incorporate the famous Frank Bird customer service into our online offering – we even hand deliver orders around South and West Yorkshire.

“The directors make deliveries just like everyone else and it’s a great way to keep in touch with our customers.

“We’re seeing the kind of trade we see at Christmas and we’re confident it will continue. Since reopening in April, these have been record months.

“We saw a massive opportunity with The Glass Works and that’s one of the reasons we had so much confidence to take over the business,” said Neil.

“The potential is huge and we’re really positive and proud that we’re a part of it. The whole area is going to be really inviting and it’s brilliant to see the new public square taking shape.”