Long established York store looks to expand outside of the city centre

A York family owned business has submitted plans to turn its existing warehouse on the outskirts of the city centre into a new showroom and click and collect point.

Barnitts Home and Garden established its department store on Colliergate in York city centre in 1896 – where the business has 45,000 sq ft of retail space. It plans to keep this open but open a second retail unit on James Street, where it already has a distribution warehouse.

The building is owned by Barnitts Pension Investment company White Gables Properties Ltd and leased to Barnitts to provide storage and distribution centre for both Barnitts retail and internet outlets service.

The Distribution Centre was built around 1970 and plans show that the space will be divided to create 7,000 sq ft of retail space. There will also be customer click and collect order points and parking facilities to offer a more modern retail experience for customers who don’t plan to venture into the city centre.

In a planning application submitted to York City Council, the firm said: “This family owned store has built a solid reputation in the city and beyond for excellent customer service teamed with an enviable stock list. One of the local sayings is “if Barnitts haven’t got it, you can’t get it anywhere!” the shopping experience is even more enjoyable because of the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.”

York City Council will make a decision on the planning application.