A veil of uncertainty surrounds Plymouth’s House of Fraser store, which has now been shut for over a week with no official explanation. The well-known department store, located in the bustling city centre, remains closed to shoppers, leaving many puzzled as signs on its doors simply state: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, this store is closed.”
The closure, which began on Monday, 14 October, has sparked growing curiosity among local residents. Despite multiple attempts to gather information, the company behind the store has yet to issue any statements regarding the reason for the prolonged closure or provide any indication of when the doors might reopen. As the absence of clarity lingers, questions mount about the future of this prominent retailer, one of the last large department stores still operating in the area.
Property Up for Sale
Adding further complexity to the situation, the building housing House of Fraser has been listed for sale, raising concerns about the store’s long-term future. The six-storey property, which includes a basement, was initially expected to be sold for more than £4 million in 2022. However, the anticipated deal fell through, and the building was re-listed in June 2023 with a significantly reduced asking price of £3 million.
The property is leased on a long-term basis by the retail group under a 125-year agreement with the local council, which began in 1992. This lease, which still has over 90 years remaining, suggests that the store could continue to operate in its current location for decades. However, the fact that the building is now being sold has cast doubt over the long-term future of House of Fraser in Plymouth.
Broader Retail Challenges
The uncertainty surrounding Plymouth’s House of Fraser reflects the wider struggles faced by many traditional high street retailers across the UK. The city centre has already experienced a series of setbacks in recent years, with the closure of several major stores, including another prominent department store. The broader retail environment has been challenged by the rise of online shopping, shifts in consumer behaviour, and the long-term impacts of the pandemic, which have all contributed to declining foot traffic in city centres.
The high street’s struggle is further illustrated by the number of properties in Plymouth that have faced difficulties in finding buyers. For example, the building that housed another large retailer, which fronts onto New George Street, Royal Parade, and Bedford Way, was put on the market in June 2022 for over £6 million. After failing to attract a buyer, the asking price was slashed by nearly £2 million.
The challenges of sustaining large department stores in city centres have become a national issue, with many retailers closing their doors or downsizing operations. Despite efforts to revitalise these businesses, including restructuring and diversification, the pressures facing brick-and-mortar stores continue to grow. As a result, the fate of Plymouth’s House of Fraser may not be unique, but part of a broader trend affecting cities across the UK.
Ownership and Recent History
The Plymouth store narrowly avoided closure in 2018 when its parent company acquired the House of Fraser brand after the retailer went into administration. At the time, the acquisition was seen as a lifeline for several stores that were at risk of closing permanently. The company, which operates a variety of brands across different retail sectors, has since been working to reposition its department stores under a refreshed business strategy.
While the retail group has been expanding its portfolio and adapting its business model in response to changing market conditions, the closure of the Plymouth store raises questions about its future strategy. The lack of communication from the company has left local residents and shoppers in the dark, fuelling speculation about what might come next for the store.
Impact on the City Centre
The closure of House of Fraser would be a significant blow to Plymouth’s city centre, which has already seen the loss of several major retailers. The department store has long been a key anchor in the area, drawing shoppers from across the region. Should the closure become permanent, it could leave another large gap in the city’s retail landscape, further challenging efforts to revitalise the high street.
The sale of the building has also sparked questions about potential redevelopment plans. Similar properties in Plymouth have already been repurposed or are in the process of being converted into mixed-use developments. A nearby building, once home to another large retailer, has seen proposals for conversion into residential flats, with a two-storey extension planned for the upper levels. It remains to be seen whether similar redevelopment plans could emerge for the House of Fraser site.
Uncertain Future
For now, the future of Plymouth’s House of Fraser remains unclear. The extended closure, combined with the ongoing sale of the building, has left many wondering whether the store will reopen at all. As the high street continues to face significant challenges, the fate of this iconic department store could serve as a litmus test for the broader health of city centre retail in Plymouth and beyond.
Shoppers and local business owners alike are anxiously awaiting news, with hopes that the closure is temporary and that the store could reopen in the near future. However, without further communication from the retail group, the uncertainty is likely to persist.
The situation at Plymouth’s House of Fraser is emblematic of the challenges facing department stores and high street retailers across the UK. As more stores face closures or downsizing, questions remain about the future of city centres and the role they will play in an increasingly digital retail environment. Until more information is made available, the mystery surrounding this store’s closure is likely to deepen, leaving the local community in limbo.
