Doncaster's House of Fraser store saved from closure as bosses perform U-turn

The retailer will not close its department store in Baxter Gate, which was originally planned to shut on May 31 as House of Fraser bosses perform a U-turn to keep the location open.

Frasers Group PLC confirmed today that its Doncaster outlet has been saved from closure, securing over 30 jobs as the department store chain signed a new lease to remain in Baxter Gate.

A spokesperson for Frasers Group PLC commented: “We are happy to announce that our Doncaster Outlet store in Baxer Gate is to remain open for the foreseeable future.

"This is great news for our dedicated staff who we would like to thank for their continued support over the last few years.”

The store which offers brands such as Barbour, Jack Wills, Levi’s, was initially earmarked for closure alongside dozens of House of Fraser outlets when the firm ran into financial difficulties in 2018.

Businessman Mike Ashley then took over the retail chain was given a reprieve with jobs and the store temporarily saved, before the Doncaster location was again warned it would be closing down.

While bosses have confirmed the Baxter Gate branch will now remain open, a number of House of Fraser branches are being turned into high-end luxury goods stores called Frasers as part of a restructuring, including Sheffield’s Meadowhall shop.

The Doncaster outlet was one of 20 House of Fraser stores to agree new terms with landlords in September, 2018 which enabled the branch to be saved from closure.

Back then, Mr Ashley, said: "It's great news that we've already rescued approximately half of the stores that were due to close under a CVA announced by the previous owners.

"We continue to hope to save at least 80% of stores.

"We've showed what we can achieve on the British high street when we work together with landlords.”

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