Overview

• House of Fraser confirmed on June 12 that its Worcester branch will shutter in September 2025, accompanied by a 20% closing-down sale.
• Staff were informed of the impending closure on June 11 after rumours circulated earlier in the week.
• Local retailers including Ganesha’s Kate Fitzer and Little Italy Boutique’s Pete Singh say the department store’s exit will significantly dent city centre footfall.
• The Worcester store was rescued from administration in 2018 when Sports Direct CEO Mike Ashley acquired House of Fraser for £90 million.
• Industry groups forecast a challenging year for UK retail, with the Centre for Retail Research predicting over 17,000 shop closures and up to 202,000 job losses in 2025.