By LANDLORD SERVES NOTICE ON HOUSE OF FRASER, GRIMSBY
As we exclusively reported on our Gi Media news pages, in a press release from the groups owners, we can confirm that House of Fraser, Grimsby, will close its doors on 1 March 2020. With plans to redevelop the building, the landlord has now served notice on House of Fraser.
The Group had been working closely with the landlord for some time on a solution to keep the store open. Over that time the landlord has not charged rent, but the day-to-day operating costs of the store have been considerable, not least the business rates, but keeping the store open was no longer viable.
Speaking with shoppers since the news broke, the feeling in the town is one of disappointment as Grimsby loses another big, reliable, high street favourite. Jane, 59, of Humberston, commented: “I’ve been shopping here since I was a teenager and have come in today to finish my Christmas shopping. This store is one of the few places in town that people can buy quality gifts”.
Another shopper added: “Not everybody can shop online, and places like House of Fraser are a life-line when you don’t have a computer. Plus, sometimes it’s just about wanting customer service, to get advice or an opinion. This place closing with be a nail in Freshney Place’s coffin”.
A spokesperson for Frasers Group stated: “We are thankful to the landlord for working with us over the past few months, to try to find a long-term solution for the store.”
The Grimsby store is one of a number that was part of the House of Fraser CVA process in 2018 and was originally earmarked for closure as part of that process. It has only been through the joint efforts of both Frasers Group and the landlord in question that the store has remained open for as long as it has.
The closure will be a huge loss to the town, and to Freshney Place, and of course, for staff to receive this news at Christmas time is especially devastating.
We will update on this story as and when further developments are received.
Contact Gi Grimsby
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
Follows us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest local stories, breaking news and to join the conversation
