House of Fraser
This coverage examines House of Fraser’s role and performance in the UK retail sector, featuring updates on store operations, financial results, leadership changes, and brand strategy. Reporting explores how the company navigates challenges in the department store segment, offering insights for retail managers and executives assessing market positioning and commercial opportunities.
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Sep- 2018 -21 SeptemberClothing & Shoes
House of Fraser decline leads to French Connection store closures
French Connection has announced it will be shuttering more of its stores following the closure of two under-performing branches in the last six months. The fashion retailer blamed the decline of House of Fraser and poor high street footfall on the fresh closures, and lost £15m in the six months…
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14 SeptemberAnalysis
The new Debenhams branding might be ‘joyous’ – but is the in-store experience?
This is a pivotal moment for department stores. The ongoing House of Fraser (HoF) crisis has shown the perils of not keeping up, and just this week former giant John Lewis revealed an incredible 99% dip in profits. It’s a stark warning – but it has also opened up an…
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14 SeptemberHigh Street
Sports Direct struggling to find auditor as EY, KPMG and PwC refuse role
EY, KPMG and PwC have all declined to take on an audit of Sports direct as the company attempts to find a replacement for Grant Thornton. According to Sky News three out of the ‘big four’ accounting firms have declined to take up the role due to potential conflicts of…
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13 SeptemberAnalysis
How Wesfarmers’ takeover strategy almost sent Homebase ‘down under’
There are few home comforts for Homebase right now. The DIY chain confirmed on August 31 that it will close a further 42 stores later this year, resulting in 1,500 job losses. The home improvement and garden retailer has already shut 16 stores this year, following its acquisition by restructuring…
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13 SeptemberDepartment Stores
Sports Direct rules out Debenhams takeover
Sports Direct has quashed speculation that it could increase its 30% stake in embattled department store Debenhams with a buyout deal. Senior non-executive director Simon Bentley caused confusion when he told reporters that a House of Fraser and Debenhams merger had “been discussed” by the board during its AGM on…
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12 SeptemberComment
How can retailers utilise queuing psychology?
Retailers must do everything they can to ensure that for customers, their waiting time at the till is not perceived as a negative experience that mars their shopping trip. Harnessing effective queuing measures could be key to maximising customer retention. It’s well reported that competition among brick-and-mortar retailers is now…
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10 SeptemberDepartment Stores
CVA and closure rumours loom as Debenhams appoints KPMG
Debenhams has reportedly appointed audit advisors KPMG to explore restructuring plans, prompting rumours of stores closures and a CVA. The Sunday Telegraph reported that the advisory firm had been assigned to draw up a turnaround plan which could result in a number of job cuts. The department store chain recently…
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5 SeptemberClothing & Shoes
Quiz to take £400,000 hit from House of Fraser collapse
House of Fraser is expected to receive a £400,000 cash injection from fashion retailer Quiz. Ahead of its AGM the retailer, which has concessions in the department store, said it would provide the money in relation to “outstanding debtor balances and other potential costs”. Quiz will provide a trading update…
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Aug- 2018 -28 AugustDepartment Stores
House of Fraser property plans revealed
An announcement is expected to be made later this week concerning the closure of more House of Fraser stores. “Greedy landlords” have been blamed for the impending closures which may result in the loss of hundreds of jobs as “time is running out”. Landlords are reportedly hesitant to agree to…
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21 AugustDepartment Stores
House of Fraser Oxford Street store saved but 627 warehouse jobs still at risk
House of Fraser’s flagship Oxford Street store has been saved from closure by its new owners. The store was due to close in January under the House of Fraser CVA that was announced in June 2018 before the company entered administration. However Mike Ashley’s company Sports Direct agreed to acquire…
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