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- 2020 -21 SeptemberComment
The window of opportunity for pop-ups
The Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent events of this year have exacerbated the ongoing decline of the British high street, with footfall falling by 81% in April and 48% in July, according to the British Retail Consortium. From John Lewis to Carphone Warehouse to House of Fraser, it seems that no…
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1 SeptemberHigh Street
Mike Ashley warns PM of rates review delay
Retail tycoon Mike Ashley has reportedly written to prime minister Boris Johnson warning of the “disastrous consequences” if the government doesn’t conduct a review of the current business rates system. According to The Times, in a joint letter with Fraser CFO Chris Wootton, Ashley warned that without action he believes…
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Aug- 2020 -17 AugustSport & Leisure
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group makes £30m bid for DW Sports
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has reportedly made a takeover bid for former rival Dave Whelan’s DW Sports. According to the Sunday Times, Frasers Group has offered £30m to administrators BDO for the DW estate, which comprises 73 gyms and 75 stores. It is also thought that BDO was looking for…
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12 AugustHigh Street
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group delays results for second consecutive year
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has announced it is to delay the publication of its annual results for the second consecutive year. Frasers Group, which comprises House of Fraser, Sports Direct, Evans Cycle and Flannels, had been scheduled to release its latest set of financial results tomorrow (13 August) but it…
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11 AugustDepartment Stores
Debenhams cuts 2,500 jobs
Embattled department store chain Debenhams has cut 2,500 staff roles. The retailer said that the job cuts, believed to be across both its retail and warehouse staff, have been made in order to give the company “every chance of a viable future”. A spokesperson said staff affected by redundancy have…
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Jul- 2020 -23 JulyHigh Street
Fraser Group warns of closures amid business rates valuation delay
Mike Ashley’s Fraser Group has warned that a number of its stores could shutter as a result of the Government’s move to delay the next business rates valuation until 2023. It said occupiers of the high street, including Frasers Group fascias, are still paying business rates based upon values from…
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9 JulyCoronavirus
Frasers Group to stop rent payments until it can ‘freely trade’
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has reportedly told landlords that it will withhold rent payments until it is “fully able to freely trade as a business”. According to a letter seen by Estates Gazette, the Sports Direct owner said although it is willing to enter negotiations with landlords but said that…
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Jun- 2020 -22 JuneComment
The perfect storm?
There is something of a ‘perfect storm’ for our town centres… Fewer shops trading than a few months ago, big brands announcing further closures, plans already on the table for repurposing retail space no longer viable, travel restrictions making it harder for people to reach town centres, now fewer people…
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May- 2020 -4 MayCoronavirus
Sports Direct managers say firm asked them to work while on furlough
Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct and House of Fraser firms reportedly asked store managers to work one day a week despite being furloughed. According to The Guardian, store managers allege that they had been asked to come into stores and prepare stock ready to be distributed to its Shirebrook warehouse to…
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Apr- 2020 -20 AprilComment
What’s behind the demise of Cath Kidston?
Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent shutting of high street stores has compounded the effects on the already struggling retail sector. Along with other 90s/early 2000s favourites Oasis and Warehouse, homeware and clothing retailer Cath Kidston announced it was going into administration this month. According to Savanta BrandVue Retail data,…
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