News

1st October 2026

170th Anniversary

170 Years of Barbours

Celebrating 170 years at the heart of Dumfries 1856 – 2026

In October 2026, Barbours celebrates a remarkable milestone — 170 years of serving generations of customers in Dumfries and beyond.

Since Robert Barbour first opened the doors of his business in 1856, six generations of the Barbour family have helped shape the store into the independent department store it is today.

Over 170 years, the world around us has changed enormously. Barbours has witnessed the Victorian era, two World Wars, the rise of the motor car, the arrival of shopping centres and supermarkets, and the transformation of retail through the digital age.

Through it all, Barbours has continued to evolve while remaining true to what has always mattered most: our customers, our people and our community.

More than a shop

For generations of families across Dumfries and Galloway, Barbours has been part of everyday life.

It has been where school uniforms and children’s shoes were bought, where special outfits were found, where Christmas shopping became a tradition and where important purchases were made for life’s memorable moments.

Some customers have been shopping with us for decades. Others are continuing a family tradition, bringing their children and grandchildren through our doors just as previous generations did.

These memories are an important part of our story.

Because 170 years isn’t simply a story of a business surviving. It is a story of people — the customers who have supported us, the colleagues who have worked with us, the families who have grown alongside us and the wider Dumfries community that has made Barbours part of its history.

Looking back. Looking forward.

Reaching 170 years is an extraordinary achievement, particularly at a time when independent retailers and traditional department stores are becoming an increasingly rare sight on Britain’s high streets.

We are incredibly proud of our heritage and of the generations of the Barbour family and Barbours colleagues who have helped build the business we have today.

But an anniversary is also about looking ahead.

The world of retail will continue to change, and so will Barbours. What will remain is our commitment to our customers, our independent spirit and our belief in the importance of being part of the community we serve.

To everyone who has walked through our doors over the past 170 years — thank you.

This milestone belongs to all of us.

170 years behind us.

The next chapter starts here.

Barbours — independent since 1856.

Permalink

19th March 2026

Join Our Team

 

JOIN OUR TEAM

We’re looking for enthusiastic and reliable people to join our team at R Barbour & Sons Ltd.

Ladies’ Shoe Department

16–24 hours | 4 days per week | Permanent

We’re looking for a friendly and proactive person to join our Ladies’ Shoe Department. The role involves lifting and carrying boxes and regularly using ladders, so applicants need to be comfortable with the physical demands of the role.

Retail experience is preferred, but training will be given to the right person.

Lingerie Department

16–24 hours | 4 days per week | Permanent

We’re looking for a friendly, confident and customer-focused person to join our Lingerie Department. Customer service experience is preferable, along with a warm and approachable manner.

???? Kitchen Assistant - 19 hours | Permanent

We’re looking for a reliable and enthusiastic person to join our busy kitchen team, helping with the preparation of meals and snacks for customers.

Previous kitchen experience is preferred.

Includes Saturdays on a rota basis.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV and covering letter, stating which position you are applying for, to:

Colin Barbour, R Barbour & Sons Ltd

24–36 Buccleuch Street, Dumfries, DG1 2AL

Email: info@barbours.mom

Permalink