House of Fraser reveals closure plans

House of Fraser has revealed it wants to shut 31 stores across the country – including Altrincham – as it details its proposals for a company voluntary arrangements.

Three stores are to go in the North West – Altrincham, Carlisle and Birkenhead. The key site (the old Kendal-Milne) on Deansgate, Manchester will remain open.

If this process is approved it will affect up to 2,000 House of Fraser employees and a further 4,000 employed by the inshore brand and concessions.

The retailer said it was “central to the significant restructuring of the business, without which House of Fraser does not have a viable future”.

Other bad news in the retail section Poundworld is on the brink of receivership. The chain employs more than 5,000 people and has more than 20 stores in the Greater Manchester and Liverpool area – four stores in Cheshire – Stockport, Chester, Crewe and Warrington.