Shropshire Star

Mike Ashley plans to keep most House of Fraser stores open

Retail tycoon Mike Ashley says he aims to save 80 per cent of House of Fraser's stores after buying the business out of administration for £90 million.

Published
Supporting image for story: Mike Ashley plans to keep most House of Fraser stores open
Mike Ashley has ambitious plans for House of Fraser, but it is still not known if they include Beatties in Wolverhampton (top right)

His plans are in stark contrast to the company's previous bosses, who planned to close more than half the 59 stores, including those in Shrewsbury and Telford, as part of a rescue plan that collapsed last week.

And Mr Ashley has singled out the huge House of Fraser store in Birmingham's Corporation Street – one of those previously set for closure – to outline his vision of his plans to turn the business into "the Harrods of the high street".

Speaking to The Sun in his only interview since the takeover deal on Friday, Mr Ashley said he would try to keep 80 per cent of the 59 outlets open.

House of Fraser on Shrewsbury High Street
House of Fraser on Shrewsbury High Street

The Sports Direct billionaire and Newcastle United owner said: “In a year’s time you can hold my feet to the fire on that.”

One way forward is to introduce a top-drawer click-and-collect service at House of Fraser He explained: “In Harrods you get some exceptional services. What we would like to do is introduce a ‘concierge click and collect’ at House of Fraser.

“When you go online and say you want to collect goods in-store, you should be able to book a time, book a changing room and book a stylist.

“You get that kind of personal shopping service in a Harrods. There’s no reason why it couldn’t be rolled out nationally across House of Fraser.”

Rescued?

Mr Ashley's Sport Direct business also owns the Flannels designer chain, which sells big-name fashions from Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Moschino and Michael Kors.