Barbary Lane in Brighton's Kemp Town under threat of closure

Barbary Lane, a custom fashion and crafts store in Brighton's Kemp Town is under threat of closure after eight years in business.

Lynne Gillett, the owner, opened the shop in St George's Road eight years ago. They sell items with all the colours under the sun, from quirky accessories to jewellery and hats.

Alie Lock the shop manager (Image: Barbary Lane)

Lynne said: ”What we want to bring is joy, confidence, fun, and help people express themselves fully, whoever they are. We won't be everyone's cup of tea, but we have amazing handmade and really classy items as well as gloriously bonkers, just all full of character.”

The Co-op opposite the store will be closed for two months for renovations, which has sparked further fears that there will be less footfall to the shop. In a bid to save the local business a Save Our Shop Sale is on until August 27.

Lynne said: ”It's been such a tough few years for all small independent businesses, but we're now at breaking point.  

“The Co-Op opposite is closed for 2 months and the expanded store will be great. But in the meantime we are scared people will go elsewhere to shop.

“We refuse to go down without a fight.”

They have been running an online store as well as a physical shop, but the shop has always been about fostering a positive community and being a space for those around them,

Lynne said: “Selling, and buying, just isn't the same online.

“Here you can try on 20 pairs of sunglasses, ask for a necklace to be shortened, get advice on changing your style. And we get to meet such amazing, unique people from all walks of life.”

Sophie Tanner wearing a Barbary Lane custom hat and fan (Image: Barbary Lane)

Sophie Tanner a Kemp Town resident and author, said:” Barbary Lane is a rare treasure trove of quirky, cheeky one-of-a-kind pieces including clothing, hats, jewellery, fans, wigs and sunglasses. 

“The window displays are always so creative and every time I pop in there’s something new to marvel over. Whenever I wear Barbary Lane items out, at festivals and parties, I get so many people asking me where I got them from.

“I feel very lucky to have such a unique shop on my doorstep and would be genuinely devastated if it closes.  I know that the Kemp Town village community feels the same.” 

There are residents seeking to revive the Village Business Association in a bid to keep the local business alive.

Lynne said: “We are encouraging our neighbouring shops and customers to come together and do what they can, telling friends about us, following us on social media, and buying local if possible.

“Together we are stronger, and can keep this hidden gem of Brighton vibrant and alive.”