THE PLANNED closure of House of Fraser has been described as a further blow to Worcester’s high street.
After rumours earlier this week, the major department store finally confirmed that it will be closing its doors for good in September.
Large signs in its windows say that the store is closing down and is offering 20 per cent off to shoppers.
The news came almost completely out of the blue for staff and local businesses have also spoken of their dismay at the news.
Coun Mel Allcott says she was deeply saddened by the move which marks a further blow to Worcester’s high street and follows in the footsteps of many other high profile departures in recent years.
She continued: “As a Worcester City Councillor and member of the Place and Economic Development Committee, the closing down of House of Fraser is a real blow to the city centre. It has been a staple of the high street for many years and its closure follows a worrying trend that really needs to be looked into.
“I think we need a much more proactive approach in the city centre. Too many places have been closed in recent years leaving the high street with too many vacant buildings. We can and must do better, turn around these closures and bring new businesses, entertainment, sport and retail into Worcester.’
House of Fraser’s Worcester store has previously been at risk of closure when the department store chain went into administration in 2018.
It was later saved from closure when Sports Direct chief executive Mike Ashley bought the retailer for £90million.
