Shoppers in Manchester have expressed their joy that the iconic House of Fraser branch, known as Kendalls, will remain open after a campaign to Save Kendalls was launched at the end of October. House of Fraser owner, Sports Direct renegotiated with the building’s landlords having said the store faced closure in January.
Consumers expressed happiness on social media having heard ‘good news for the high street,’ with some acknowledging fond memories of the Manchester department store. However, other commentators expressed hopes that the store would change in order to survive. One consumer said that Kendalls is: “dated, overpriced and needs to evolve.”
On acquiring House of Fraser this year, Sport Direct’s chief executive, Mike Ashley said he intended to turn the chain into the ‘Harrods of the high street.’ The chain’s closures include the Edinburgh store known as Frasers.
Meanwhile, Mike Ashley has told MPs that the “internet is killing the high street” and called for a new tax on online retailers last week (taxing all retailers that make more than 20% of their turnover online). Mike’s views were expressed as part of a Commons Select Committee inquiry into the future of the high street. He said: “We have to realise the High Street won’t make 2030 – it’s not going to be there unless you do something really radical and grab the bulls by the horns.”
Top: HoF’s Kendalls is to stay open.
