The Bed Factory in Ipswich to close after nearly 100 years

Barnes of Ipswich Ltd, more commonly known now as The Bed Factory, is shutting its doors at the end of next month.

Managing director, Chloe Last, the fourth generation of the Barnes family, has decided now is the time to close the business to allow her to pursue a career in a different direction.

She said the decision "has not been taken lightly" and said: "Retail has changed a lot over the years, especially with the rise of internet shopping.

Managing director of The Bed Factory, Chloe Last (Image: Laura Salmon)

"So with retail in decline now is the perfect time for the company to come to the end of its era."

The business, which specialises in beds and furniture, started trading in Ipswich in 1927, becoming an incorporated company in 1939, when they originally sold corsets, stockings, lingerie and linoleum.

They had premises in Tower Street, which was mainly used for storage, while George Barnes, the founder, opened a shop in Upper Orwell Street.

Barnes of Ipswich in Upper Orwell Street (Image: Barnes of Ipswich)

They then moved to a building near Tower Ramparts, which was most recently used as Yates, before moving to the Hadleigh Road Industrial Estate.

The business moved to Bermuda Road in March 1995, which is where The Bed Factory has remained to this day.

Ms Last continued: "Thank you to all our customers over the past 80-plus years for supporting a local, independent, family-run company.

Barnes of Ipswich in the building near Tower Ramparts (Image: Barnes of Ipswich)

"I would also like to thank all of the current employees for the continued support and understanding since the passing of my father, Peter Barnes, I could not have managed without them."

A total of 11 staff members are set to lose their jobs with the factory closing.

All existing orders will be fulfilled and deliveries are still taking place as normal and the showroom in Bermuda Road on the Ransomes Industrial Estate is still taking orders to clear all remaining stock by the end of April.

The Bed Factory in Ipswich (Image: David Mortimer Drone Photography)