Shoppers in Plymouth have been left concerned after a stark notice appeared in the window of the city's major House of Fraser department store, indicating it will close its doors for good next year.
'This Store Will Be Closing' Sign Spotted
A sign was photographed on the window of the House of Fraser store on December 30, 2025, which appears to state that "this store will be closing in March 2026." The notice advises customers to shop online instead, raising immediate fears for the future of the prominent city centre retailer.
PlymouthLive reports that it has contacted Frasers Group, the parent company, for comment but has not yet received a reply. The 198,087 square foot building on Armada Way, which also has entrances on New George Street and Royal Parade, is currently advertised for sale for £3 million.
A Building with a Complex History
The property has a long lease in place with 92 years remaining, having started in January 1992. The freeholder is Plymouth City Council. The sale price was reduced from £4 million after a previous deal to purchase the six-storey block, which includes a basement, fell through.
Steve Hughes, chief executive of Plymouth City Centre Company, said he had not been made aware of any closure plans. "We know the building has been on sale for some time," he told PlymouthLive. "Of course it would be a shame to lose the House of Fraser brand, but I’m sure more news will transpire soon."
The Plymouth store was scheduled for closure in 2018 but was saved when billionaire Mike Ashley's Sports Direct bought the chain out of administration, renaming it Frasers Group.
The Wider Context of House of Fraser's Decline
The potential closure highlights the continued struggles of the House of Fraser brand. Plymouth’s is one of just 12 HOF stores still operating in the UK, a dramatic reduction from 59 stores in 2018. The Cabot Circus store in Bristol shut last year.
While the broader Frasers Group remains profitable, recent accounts show this is "driven by Sports Direct and strengthening margins in our premium and luxury division, particularly at Flannels." The group, which also owns Jack Wills, GAME, and Evans Cycles, already operates Sports Direct, Flannels, and Evans Cycles stores elsewhere in Plymouth city centre.
The Plymouth store has faced operational challenges before, being shut for nine days last year following a power outage and a flood. The building was originally acquired by property giant British Land as part of a £67m deal for a block of city centre shops that also included the now-closed Debenhams.
