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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be worried about House of Fraser

366 replies

Viviennemary · 06/01/2018 23:20

Seems this is the next chain to be in trouble. And Debenhams hasn't been doing to well either lately according to the news tonight. I don't buy a great deal in either of these but would be really sad to see them go. Woolworths gone and then BHS. Sad at the thought they might disappear

OP posts:
GrockleBocs · 06/01/2018 23:26

You don't buy a great deal in them? Well then that's the problem Hmm
If people were using them they wouldn't be in trouble.

Pomegranatemolasses · 06/01/2018 23:28

I agree with pp. No point in the hand wringing, when you’re part of the problem.

CotswoldStrife · 06/01/2018 23:31

I saw this today too - it made me think that I must spend my Debenhams vouchers quickly just in case!

House of Fraser - there is a store near us and I have never been in it, we moved here years ago. I'm definitely part of the problem there.

Original poster
Viviennemary · 06/01/2018 23:33

I'm not arguing against that I'm part of the problem. But you kind of expect them to be there for ever as they've always been there. Online shopping is convenient but I still like shops.

OP posts:
Eggzandbacon · 06/01/2018 23:38

I try to spend money in them but the available stock is dreadful- I have made a few sales purchase from them but all online.
Our Debenhams got rid of its fabulous home wear section of one small corner, replaced with a floor half empty with overflow ladies wear.

When I went shopping in there after xmas I bought nothing and I would usually buy a lot from the sales in there previously. The children's wear for slightly older kids is hideous now as well.
The only busy section is make up
I find now too.

ShatnersWig · 06/01/2018 23:45

I buy a lot from House of Fraser but only in sales, it tends to be too expensive otherwise. But in the sales, I tend to buy a lot. Bought a shirt there last weekend £27 down from £55. Shoes £45 down from £80 few weeks back. Often get underwear there and kitchen stuff. And presents for people. I'd definitely miss it.

Newyearnewyew · 06/01/2018 23:49

Well I have not had a chance great experience in there really, zilch customer service... I do like dickens and Jones but it's a strange store... I don't like any of these places resting on their laura legs

abbey44 · 06/01/2018 23:53

I tried buying some things online from the House of Fraser website just before Christmas and every time I got to the checkout, it refused to take payment (I tried several times, with a credit card and with PayPal), just coming up with error messages. Don't know whether that could be a symptom or cause of their difficulties, as I doubt it was just me that had this sort of problem.

I gave up in the end and went elsewhere.

Argeles · 06/01/2018 23:54

I love Debenhams, and always find nice things in there to buy - especially gifts. I think a lot of the prices are fairly reasonable, especially in the sales.

My DH adores House of Fraser, and buys almost everything in there - full price or sale price. I find it too expensive, and although I like a lot of their products, I find their stores really bland and soulless.

I would hate it though if either of them ceased to exist.

Flyingflipflop · 06/01/2018 23:56

Actually this all ties in with a lot of stuff. We shop on line then wonder why the high street is being decimated.

We spend our money with online retailers who pay no tax, but wonder why there doesn’t seem to enough money for public services.

At what cost does the cheapness and convenience of online come with?

Butterymuffin · 06/01/2018 23:57

I like lots of House of Fraser stuff but whenever I go into a branch, they seem to have far less choice available than there is online. That may not be so good for keeping stores open.

Debenhams has lots of sales but always seems busy when I'm in.

ToadOfSadness · 06/01/2018 23:57

I used to like shopping in House of Fraser in Oxford St. It was a bit scruffy in places and there wasn't air conditioning upstairs but I really liked it and bought lots of stuff there. Then they smartened it up and re-arranged it. It wasn't the same any more and I stopped shopping there.

Same with John Lewis, they changed all the stores and in doing it something is always lost, favourite items, atmosphere.

Always hated Debenhams, and it was always the last place I went to if I was looking for something. It was never pleasant.

I would be sad if HoF goes but only because it used to be so good and I remember buying nice things there.

Mookatron · 06/01/2018 23:58

House of Fraser has obviously been struggling for a while. They might sell more if they ironed clothes before putting them out to sell. However I worked for HOF one Christmas in a shop that subsequently closed. If they're still treating their staff as shitly as they did then I don't blame them for not bothering to present stock well.

Gingernaut · 07/01/2018 00:01

Debenhams have opened a new store here. It's relatively small, but snazzy. They've spent millions!

I still prefer to go to the old, tatty House of Fraser across the road.

More choice and services like chiropody that I use.

I feel bad for the both of them and shop in actual shops when I need something, but it's not my personal responsibility to singlehandedly keep them in business.

RaindropsAndSparkles · 07/01/2018 00:02

I use the ground floor of our local one for make up and handbags. At Christmas I bought some mens stuff for DS and they weren't exactly helpful about returns. It's in an affluent area. Service is pretty poor tbh. I have only bothered going upstairs twice. It just seems so cluttered.

brizzledrizzle · 07/01/2018 00:03

I can't say it bothers me, they are set in my mind as a place to go for expensive clothes that wealthy middle class older women wear. I'm not wealthy, couldn't care less about class and age is just a number. I've got no reason to shop there.

mandybeesborough · 07/01/2018 00:03

Went today to return something bought online. Wasn’t sure if there was a specific till I needed to go to so asked a member of staff. She wasn’t sure, maybe second floor. Haul 3 kids/pram to the lift and go to second floor. Ask there where to go for refund. Told I need to go to first floor. Back to lift. Lift not working. Trek across to other side of store to get lift to first floor. Get to first floor and manage to return items after more faff.

Based on that I’ll be in no hurry to go back. Store looked tired, run down. I used to like shopping there but I prioritise an easy, pleasant shopping experience and it wasn’t that today.

BikeRunSki · 07/01/2018 00:04

Debenhams is getting very humble saley. Not a nice shopping experience. CBt have been there for years.

HoF - only buy online.

PleaseDontGoadTheToad · 07/01/2018 00:09

When my local BHS store closed, my local House of Fraser actually took on quite a few of the staff so I hope for their sakes especially that it will be okay.

lessworriedaboutthecat · 07/01/2018 00:09

I never shop in House of Fraser its just too expensive. Any time I go into the one in Glasgow I feel like a peasant whose been summoned to court by the King for reasons that have never been explained to me. I could be rewarded or I could be executed. I'm afraid, feel out of place while goggling like a yokel at the opulence surrounding me.

Tippexy · 07/01/2018 00:10

Debenhams is a horrible experience. It doesn’t know what it wants to be, snazzy department store or TK Maxx

PerfumeIsAMessage · 07/01/2018 00:11

Debenhams is neither fish nor fowl anymore, that's its problem. It isn't JL or Marks (sensible, middle of the road, good customer service rep etc) and nor is it young and hip and trendy or classy and posh. It's basically 45 different concessions in each store.

I use both, online as am abroad, before Christmas the Debs site kept crashing so I didn't order in the end.

I usually get nightwear from Debs as they seem to have a better selection than most high street dept stores. Their actual store layouts are fucking awful though and if they turned the heating down, people might stay for longer.

Sparklingbrook · 07/01/2018 00:13

Ours is a bit 'Are You Being Served?' but saying that today I bought some feather pillows half price and some nice dinner plates also reduced.

I do like their home stuff.

frasier · 07/01/2018 00:14

House of Fraser seems to be all concessions these days. Plus, they try and make you have their store card or whatever it is every time you buy anything. I think they have to sign up so many customers every day because they are relentless at every till!

HoneyDragon · 07/01/2018 00:16

Debenhams stores are mostly limited in stock and just hold concessions.

My nearest ones have been begging to stock Mac, Urban Decay and Benefit and more premium accessory lines but have got nowhere.

House of fraser online and in store have been on a gradually decline in years.

There’s not a great deal that can be down if the venture themselves are willing to meet demand.

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