‘Another one bites the dust’ as department store giant launches 50% closing down sale before shutting doors in hours
SHOPPERS have cried “another one bites the dust” as a major department store prepares to close down for good.
House of Fraser is shutting its branch in Guildford, Surrey, tomorrow following a string of closures.
The retailer initially launched a 20% off sale in August as it looked to clear leftover stock.
But it appears to have now upped discounts to 50%, reports Surrey Live, with only a few make up and clothing items left on shelves.
A spokesperson for Frasers Group, which owns House of Fraser, previously told The Sun it is looking to find new roles for staff “where possible”.
News of the Guildford branch closure has been met with devastation from local residents.
One said: “Another one bites the dust,” while a second added: “So sad.”
One customer felt nostalgic, commenting: “Lots of memories are tied up in that place.”
Another added: “When House of Fraser goes so many shops (will be) gone.”
House of Fraser was saved from going bust by businessman Mike Ashley back in 2018.
But while the deal saved the chain’s then 59 stores and 17,000 workers, many branches have closed in recent years.
The retailer’s Solihull branch pulled down its shutters for good on August 28.
Meanwhile, the chain turned one Birmingham branch into an outlet and closed its iconic store in the Howells building in Cardiff in February.
In January, it closed its department store in High Wycombe, two months after its branch in Westfield Shepherd’s Bush shut for the final time.
But it’s not all bad news as the retailer has plans to open “new concept” stores too.
The business this month cut the ribbon on the latest of its new department stores combining the Sports Direct and Game brands.
It has already opened a branch in Norwich while it has plans to open two further sites in Blackpool and Sheffield.
A number of retailers have been struggling as high inflation sees consumers cut back on their leisure spending.
Meanwhile, shoppers are increasingly turning to online retail and away from physical branches.
That, combined with high energy and wages costs, has seen a number of businesses struggle to stay financially sound.
A number of retailers have collapsed into administration this year, including Cath Kidston, Paperchase and M&Co.
Meanwhile, others have been closing stores and consolidating their portfolios.
It’s not all bad news though as some retailers have been opening stores, including Poundland and B&M.
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