A North Yorkshire store’s beauty department has been introducing more top name brands

WHEN Barkers of N o r t h a l l e r t o n first opened its doors as a draper’s store more than a century ago, fashion and beauty weren’t big on the agenda.

Now it offers an incredible range of merchandise – top label men’s and women’s fashion, lingerie, shoes, handbags, luggage, gifts and homewares – and, of course, cosmetics.

The beauty department at Barkers underwent a big makeover just over a year ago, becoming bigger and brighter, and stocking a larger range of customers favourite products. And it is still adding to its list of top brands.

Barkers cosmetic buyer/manager Karen Parkes- Hatley has seen – and overseen – many of the changes. After gaining lots of experience in the beauty business as a consultant to different department stores in the region, Karen came to Barkers in 1993.

“I’m from Middlesbrough, but my husband is from Northallerton, and I knew before I came to the town that the store was an institution. I think one of the reasons it has remained so popular is that we strive to offer such a good level of customer service,” says Karen. “We also aim to move with the times, which is why the beauty department constantly adds new brands and products.”

The beauty department celebrated its “newlook”

first birthday with a cake and Karen restated her aim to make the beauty department the best in the region.

She says the department had a good year, despite the difficult trading climate, and maintained a healthy growth throughout. This extended to adding products such as Benefit, a global brand which was founded in San Francisco, with a following amongst models, make-up artists and celebrities. “It’s a great addition to the beauty hall.

The Benefit counter manager, Scarlet, has a lot of vision and energy and has already attracted younger clients,” says Karen.

Existing houses include Estee Lauder, Chanel, Clarins, Clinique, Dior and Lancome. The Biju Brow bar has also proved popular with clients.

Tom Ford fragrance is another brand Karen is delighted to have on board.

“We are the only stockist between York and Newcastle,” she says.

The Barkers beauty department caters increasingly for men, with a good range of fragrances and skincare. “Our Clarins and Clinique consultants are always happy to give advice to male customers,” says Karen. “There’s no doubt men are more and more interested about the condition of their skin, and less and less embarrassed about shopping in beauty departments, which were once very much womenonly zones.”

Karen is very happy about the look and atmosphere of Barkers beauty department and, after almost two decades there, retains her enthusiasm for the beauty business. “What I really love about it is that it never stands still,” she say. “We try to stay at the forefront of all the fashion trends and the improving skincare technology. Our aim is to keep adding more brands and to continue to fulfil our customers’ needs.”

Barker Department Store 198-202 High Street, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8LP. Telephone 01609- 772303; Email: onlinesales@barkersnorthallerton.co.uk

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am-5.30pm

Barkers Furnishing Store Yafforth Road, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8UB. Telephone 01609- 776667

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am-5.30pm; Sunday noon-4pm.