Letter: A Major Town Has a Department Store

Published on: 6 Nov, 2024
Updated on: 6 Nov, 2024

House of Fraser

From Anna Windebank

In response to: No Anticipated Reopening of House of Fraser Store, Now Up for Sale for £10m

I don’t think the powers-that-be realise just what a blow it is to Guildford to suffer the loss of, now two, department stores. Debenhams preceded the House of Fraser.

If you’re a major town, you have a department store – end of story. How they managed to let Fenwick go, I have no idea. What a major blunder and one which has seriously diminished the town.

I would instinctively go to a good department store to find anything – from a new outfit or handbag, to a kitchen gadget, a suitcase, a bed or a gift. You name it, I could usually find it there.

I’ve started going back to Kingston for shopping now. The Fenwick store there (previously Bentalls) is absolutely wonderful. All that, and a John Lewis too!

For shame, Guildford.

Responses to Letter: A Major Town Has a Department Store

Nigel Crutchley Reply

November 6, 2024 at 2:28 pm

I’d imagine that it has all broken down to greed. Fenwick and John Lewis are the only realistic stores that would be interested. Either they wanted an unrealistically sweet heart deal knowing that there would be little competition for such a site, or owners Canada Life wanted well over the odds for it. Either way the people of Guildford lose.

I don’t know if a potential developer could get around the listing of the rooftop to enable complete demolition and rebuilding into residential flats. I can’t see an easy way for converting the existing site as it currently stands.

If it is converted to residential that will mean even more pokey one or two bedroom flats. Considering the former Debenhams site, North Street and Solum developments we must be getting close to a saturated market.
Ben Darnton Reply

November 6, 2024 at 10:26 pm

I agree with Nigel Crutchley’s point that every major town has a department store but, sadly, lockdowns coupled with excessive rents, rates and parking charges, plus the rise in popularity of free to park retail parks as well as, of course, online sales, have seen most larger department stores close in many towns up and down the land.

Having been in retail in Guildford for over 40 years I fondly remember many customers spending time in my shop browsing and buying whilst their spouses happily shopped in Debenhams and the House of Fraser.

They would often meet for lunch then resume shopping which must have been great news for the GBC parking revenues.

Guildford now sadly lacks these retail focal points which is a shame especially as the former Waterstones premises on the High Street would be ideal for the likes of Fenwick or John Lewes.