House of Fraser Swindon latest to be saved

The Swindon branch of House of Fraser is the latest to have been saved as the chain's new owner Sports Direct successfully negotiated new lease terms with landlord FI Real Estate Management (FIREM).

Based in The Brunel Shopping Centre, the store is latest in a line to have been safeguarded by Mike Ashley's sports chain, including London Oxford Street, Edinburgh, Plymouth, Darlington, Carlisle, Telford and Middlesbrough, among others. So far around 23 of the chain's 59 stores have been safeguarded.

When Sports Direct bought House of Fraser out of administration in August, Ashley said he was aiming to save around 47 of its 59 stores. A number however have been scheduled for closure, including branches in Manchester and Exeter, along with four stores located in intu shopping centres.

“There has been understandable concern about the future of House of Fraser and we are delighted to have agreed commercially viable terms that permit its continued presence at the Brunel,” a FIREM spokesperson said of the deal to save the Swindon store.

“The determination of both parties to secure agreeable terms was fuelled by the knowledge of how pivotal this store is to the local economy and the people who live and work here. We look forward to working with the new management team to ensure the future success of the store.”