Barratts
Barratts is a British footwear brand that began as the W Barratt Boot and Shoe Company in Northampton in 1903. Once one of the best known shoe chains on the UK high street, it now trades as an online footwear brand.
| Founded | 1903, Northampton |
|---|---|
| Founder | William Barratt |
| Former owner | Stylo (1964 to 2009) |
| Headquarters | Apperley Bridge, Bradford |
| Website | barratts.co.uk |
What is Barratts?
Barratts is a UK footwear name founded by William Barratt in 1903 as the W Barratt Boot and Shoe Company in Northampton, a town long associated with British shoemaking. Over the twentieth century it grew into a familiar high street shoe retailer.
History
From 1964 to 2009 Barratts was part of Stylo, which also created the Stylo Matchmakers sports footwear brand. At its height under Stylo the chain operated more than 400 outlets, and it later traded from around 100 stores in the UK and Ireland. The business, headquartered at Apperley Bridge near Bradford, went through several changes of ownership, and in 2025 the brand and its website were acquired and relaunched online.
Products and positioning
Barratts has always centred on affordable everyday footwear for a broad customer base, selling shoes rather than clothing. Its offer has been aimed at value-conscious shoppers on the high street and now online.
Why it matters
Barratts illustrates the shift of heritage high street names into digital-first brands. Its long history, from a Northampton factory to a national store chain and then an online relaunch, mirrors wider changes in British footwear retail.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Barratts?
Barratts was founded by William Barratt in 1903 as the W Barratt Boot and Shoe Company in Northampton.
Is Barratts still trading?
Yes, the brand and its website were acquired in 2025 and relaunched as an online footwear retailer.