The Barrow Co-op department store, a beloved landmark on Abbey Road in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England, held a special place in the community for generations. Imagine the echoing footsteps of shoppers on the polished wooden floors, the rustle of fabrics as they browsed through the latest fashions, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the bakery department.
Constructed in 1889 by the Barrow Co-operative Society, it quickly became the town’s largest department store, providing employment and serving as a hub of activity. In 1902, the store expanded, further solidifying its importance in the town. Perhaps you remember the gleaming brass railings on the staircase, or the grand clock that chimed the hour, its resonant tones marking the passage of time. Sadly, after over a century of service, the Barrow Co-op department store closed its doors in 1996, leaving a void in the town centre.
The Building’s New Life
The building found new life in 1998 when its ground floor was transformed into a Wetherspoon pub named “The Furness Railway.” In 2015, the upper floors were converted into a 52-bedroom hotel, ensuring the building continues to be a vital part of the town.
A Glimpse into the Past
Some may remember the upstairs room above the bakery on Abbey Road. It was a peaceful space with polished tables and chairs set out in a room with half-wood panelling, a panelled fireplace with a clock, and potted plants on some of the tables. A bay window at the back provided a view of the street below. A cancer collection box sat on the fireplace, a testament to the community’s generosity.
Childhood Memories
“I used to go to the Barrow Co-op every year to visit Santa, convinced that this was the year my impeccable behaviour would finally earn me a drum kit. Spoiler alert: Santa never delivered. Santa at the Co-op? More like Santa the Grinch. Years of drum kit requests? Denied. Clearly, I was on the naughty list for life. To this day, I blame my lack of musical talent on the Co-op’s clear bias against aspiring rock stars. Ah, the Barrow Co-op… where my dreams of becoming the next Ringo Starr were cruelly dashed year after year. Santa clearly had some sort of vendetta against me (and my parents’ eardrums, no doubt). Perhaps he lost a bet to the Easter Bunny and was forced to deny me the drum kit of my dreams. The world may never know.”
Echoes of the Past
The closure of the Co-op still resonates with many, as evidenced by the comments on the Furness Whisper Facebook page. Viv Rose fondly remembers the closing down sale, where she snagged a woollen cardigan that became a cherished item. Tracy Wells laments the Co-op’s closure and the subsequent changes to the town centre, expressing a sentiment shared by many.
What are your favourite memories of the Barrow Co-op? Did you have a favourite department? Tell us your story!
Share your memories and photos by:
● Emailing us at info@furness-whisper.uk
● Contacting us through our website’s contact page.