Barry & Roberts

Thomas Barry and Sam Roberts founded the first of the Barry & Roberts department stores in George Street, Brisbane on 1 January 1898. 

A Barry and Roberts grocery store was opened in Nicholas Street, Ipswich in June 1905. They moved into the premises formerly occupied by Commonwealth Grocers. Although it was considered a grocery store Barry and Roberts were also ironmongers and drapers. In 1907 the shop expanded into the former premises of D. Goldstine, jeweller.

In 1918 Barry and Roberts was situated between the Central Hotel and Watson Bros. Butchers on Nicholas Street. In 1926 they bought this property.

In 1935 the shop underwent extensive renovations with front designed by George Brockwell Gill, building by F. J. Lye, and cabinetwork by Arthur Foote.

Younger members of the family opted not to continue the company and sold it  on 11th December 1985 to Condraulics Pty Limited (a subsidiary of Industrial Equity Limited). Barry & Roberts were a well-known name until that time.