House of Fraser to close !

I can't understand why adults shop in Primark. It's just full of cheap foreign made crap. At least the department stores have some quality stuff that's classic and lasts a long time and you could often get a bargain in the sales. I much prefer the atmosphere of the department store rather than the pushing and shoving and chaos in the cheap shops. It's no good complaining about job losses if you don't support their business.

I think some people,me being one of them, might regret the demise of the department store, unless they have a car and can go to an under cover out of town shopping centre.

The beauty of the department store is, I think, that you can find many shops within a shop, which saves trudging around in the rain to each fashion store, crossing busy roads, etc.

I agree that House of Fraser and Debenhams appear not to have been managed very well. Debenhams, for instance, a couple of years ago spent millions on re-designing their stores and, in my view, it was not an improvement.

I don't think House of Fraser is any more expensive than John Lewis, and certainly nowhere near as expensive as Selfridges, Fenwicks or Liberty.

I think the day of the department store is over. I don’t think it is entirely. We have every major department store represented in our city, as you would expect, but the one that is always busy and has continued to thrive for over a hundred years, is an independent family owned store. It caters for young (my daughter in law was most impressed with some of their designer stuff) and not so young, sells quality goods - everything from furniture to sewing needles - and I have shopped there almost all my life. It has stood the test of time when other independents and chains have collapsed around it. I hope it will as long as I last!

Same where I am Greyduster, I've often wondered how long it can last, but I do hope it does.

quizqueen I totally agree with you, primarks quality is appalling. I have bought a couple of jumpers ended up chucking them out after a few wears. If you don't use it you lose it.

The high street will look nothing like we know it in 50 years even less time. The contingent plans are already in place. I habe been told about this aboit a friend who works in planning of the future line.

The high street will consist of services you can't get online. It will be coffee shops, bar restaurants, hair and beauty salons, spas, supermarkets possibly and the like.

The high street will be parks and accommodation. You can see the start of it happening now. We live in a tourist town which is busy yet you can still see the shifting in that way

Here is a list of closings

We are not to lose ours, then. It is part of a large well known shopping mall here, but there never seems to be many customers in there.

It's sad. I used to enjoy browsing in House of Fraser when I visited Carlisle. When my children were little, we visited Santa Claus there. It's a big store, and takes up a large chunk of English Street, I wonder what will replace it.

quizqueen
Almost ALL goods in M&S and John Lewis, indeed, MOST shops, are made in Bangladesh, Poland, Turkey, Sri Lanka, India, Hungary, China etc and that's a fact.
Even some ceramic plant pots I fancied in Homebase, were made in Germany.
Next time you go to a 'posh shop', look at the labels.

Our local HoF is on the list and, whilst it is very sad for the staff involved, I shan't mourn its passing. Despite a recent revamp, it still seems desperately old fashioned & stuck in a time warp harking back to its heyday in the 50s and 60s when it was locally owned & everyone shopped there. These days I rarely cross the threshold as we have quite a few of the concessions already in the town and, if I have ever wanted to buy something, it's been difficult to find a member of staff. I wonder what will come in its place or will it be empty for ever and a day?

It looks like the Metro Centre, Gateshead, store will stay open (for now) . I think it is very popular with those seeking their designer label clothes and handbags, fancy makeup and perfumes. Too expensive for me, but I am sad to see so many closures and job losses, wherever they are.

sweetcakes
It's all a matter of choice. I've never had any problems (and have had compliments) with clothes bought in Primark I've had lightweight trousers for 3 years which look as good as new and non-iron tops and blouses which friends (who definitely never shop at Primark) have admired.
I like to buy new clothes often and not feel I have to get my wear out of an item because of the cost.
I do like the KIN brand in John Lewis but again, it's not British made.
I like modern fashion, not stuffy Jaeger and the like.

For anyone who deplores buying clothes which are made in other countries or are patronising about Primark, let me just say that the new KIN John Lewis brand is manufactured in China and their Bruce Oldfield range is made in Portugal...to name but two.

The world won't come to an end. The is not the first time House of Fraser has decided on store closures. Our store on Aberdeen was closed like many others in 2001 and 2002. These big chain stores want to be all things to all people and it doesn't work now. Our shopping habits have changed over many years and House of Fraser like M&S have not moved with the times, and like dinosaurs they will become extinct.

Oh dear, ours is closing. Not that I ever buy much there.

I always thought HoF had delusions of being Harrods.

I always thought HoF had delusions of being Harrods

Why Shortlegs? They both sell very similar ranges.

I seem to be alone in I actual like HoF. We have 2 within 30mins drive, Lakeside and Bluewater. I often find what I am looking for, for myself and gifts for others. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Thankfully both these stores are not up for closure (at the moment)

I think Debenhams will be next. If our one is anything to go by, the only attractive and well run department is the cosmetics and perfumery on the ground floor which always looks and smells lovely. But, when you go upstairs, the clothes always seem to be on permanent sale, and all the brands and concessions sell the same sort of stuff. It is a hot and bothery type of experience trying to get an outfit, in and out of the changing room and I inevitably give up. I think that perhaps department stores have had their day. I feel sorry for the staff, but House of Fraser closures will not impact my life. I was however really surprised to see that their flagship Oxford Street store is closing, perhaps the extortionate rent and rates there is enough to keep a couple of regional stores open instead.

They took over Beatties in Wolverhampton and in record time turned it from a vibrant, delightful place to shop into a dull, charmless place that was usually empty. Not at all surprised but very sad for the people who will lose their jobs.

We have a small but very pleasant shopping centre. It has M&S - bit disappointing of late, TK Max which some folk think wonderful but I think looks like a jumble sale! A big well arranged Primark but I’m not a fan! A small Next good for grandchildren’s clothes. Outfit which is several stores in one - eg Dorothy Perkins Top Shop etc. Monsoon - only my eldest daughter finds things there! A Select which the young love! But Debenhams is where we all go - so many brands - Collection (their own) Wallis, Maine, Mantaray, John Rocha (beloved of my youngest daughter!) Jasper Conran, Jacques Vert and a couple more I’ve never heard of! It’s always busy. Perhaps stores vary according to where they are!

I think they must Irenelily our Debenhams is brand new, sells all those brands you mentioned, plus good quality homewear. Very efficient ‘Click & Collect’ Service, instore computers so you can order there and then if your size not in stock, and helpful staff.

I think the mistake made by several department stores was going down the franchise route. Each brand had a small space with a minimal selection of styles in a limited size range - and of course the only brands in store were those with franchises. The problem is, also, that people complain about the poor quality of modern clothes, but when a shop does have good quality clothing, complains again that it is too expensive.

I used to shop in East (cries of: it was so expensive) but I have 2 dresses from East, one summer, one winter, both of which I love. I have had both about 5 years and they will probably last another 5. Think of the money I have saved. What is more they always look fresh and up to date.

I now find M&Co a good source of good quality clothing, I have several pairs of trousers form them that I have had for at least three years and are still going strong, also Monsoon, but I have taken to haunting Charity shops for good quality clothes that do not look washed out three months after you have bought them.

I'm relieved to see that Manchester's HoF store, which used to be Kendals and before that, Kendal Milne, is not among the stores destined for closure - yet. It's a Manchester landmark on Deansgate in the city centre. I used to have lunch in the ground floor café when I worked nearby - a good place for people-watching. I wonder if department store companies who site new stores on the outskirts rather than on the high street will fare better. For one thing, the parking is easier and often free.