Sofas, Armchairs & Recliners, Dining Room Furniture & Lighting, and Bespoke Upholstery Team

Meet the team and find out what their favourite item is in the Barretts shop.

Louis Dawson | Department Manager

Experience?
I came to Barretts in July 1994 and joined as a sales assistant. I then progressed to become Beds and Bedroom Furniture Department Manager before managing the upholstery and cabinet departments. I am now privileged to be Assistant Manager, doing my best to help the store Directors.

Favourite thing in Barretts and why?
The Hypnos Silk Pillow Top bed – it’s so comfortable!

Paul Vale

Experience?
I have had a wide range of retail experience, particularly with home furnishings. I started my career in 1972 with the Stowmarket Co-operative Society as a van boy/junior. After receiving a good grounding on all aspects of home appliances and furnishings (hardware, electrical, giftware, beds, carpets and upholstery) I moved on to other companies such as Cowells, Time Furnishings, and Wallace Kings, to further progress my and understand the retail trade.
After being being interviewed by Jack Barrett (Jill’s father), I joined Barretts some 20 years ago to run the bed department and later the upholstery department. I help to run the store and enjoy going from department to department where required and ensuring Barretts continues to offer that unique aspect.

Favourite thing in Barretts and why?
When I was asked about my favourite item in the shop, I instantly thought of the manufacturer Delias, which will go on display in December.  As Captain James T. Kirk once famously said “Space, the final frontier”.  If space and storage is your quest, then Delias offer an amazingly versatile range of bedroom furniture in a variety of finishes and sizes.  This select bedroom furniture range is remarkable quality and value for money and, what’s more, we assemble them for you in situ free of charge.

Gary Minns

Experience?
I have worked man and boy at Barretts for 10 years now, starting in the warehouse and deliveries.

Then I progressed onto upholstery and beds sales to my current position as Bed Department Manager,and Customer Delivery Team Manager.

Michael Grist

Experience?
After 23 years in BT I couldn’t wait to get out and join my lovely fiance Jill (Barrett) in the family business. That was back in January 2010, and I now feel very much at home in Barretts. After all the high pressure and stress at BT, this feels like a breath of fresh air! I started in beds, and after being thoroughly trained in the “Barretts way” by Manager Paul Vale, I progressed into dining room furniture, sofas and recliners. I picked up the marketing role for the shop, focussing on creating a clear brand and logo – and a new website! We started a bespoke upholstery department in December 2010, mainly as a result of customer demand, and that also keeps me busy.

Favourite thing in Barretts and why?
The multi-coloured 5 stem Danalight Floor Lamp.  It’s bright, modern, funky, and so cheerful!!