House of Fraser: Telford store’s first general manager ‘surprised’ by closure plan
David Pardoe has a particular reason to be sad at the demise of House of Fraser in Telford.
He was the first general manager at the store when it opened under the name Beatties in September 2003. He stayed there until 2006 before spending a year at Rackhams in Shrewsbury.
Mr Pardoe said: “This is very sad news. Beatties Telford and Rackhams in Shrewsbury were two brilliant stores to work in, with fantastic staff, and the opening of the Beatties store will always be one of my career highlights.
“High street retailing continues to change massively. Beatties was famous for excellent customer service but I am afraid today’s House of Fraser has lost its relevance. It didn’t look over its shoulder and it failed to create the inspiring places that today’s customer wants to shop in.
“I am surprised that both stores are on the closure list. There has been recent investment in Shrewsbury and Telford as a centre is really going places and still has a terrific offer. Both units will be hard to fill with other retailers.”
Telford & Wrekin Council says it will offer business support to workers who now face the risk of losing their jobs.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for employment, said: “While the future of the Telford House of Fraser store is still uncertain, I am very saddened to hear the news that the company has announced it plans to close its store in Telford Shopping Centre, although this is symptomatic of the trading situation facing the retail sector and does not come entirely as a surprise.”
She said the council would provide support to help people find employment elsewhere if necessary.
She said: “This includes training, business start-up workshops, National Careers Service advice and guidance and links with local businesses.
“We also have first-hand knowledge of the local jobs market and freely advertise vacancies via Job Box, partner organisations and social media channels.”
Closures plan 'only proposals'
Glynn Morrow, manager of Telford Shopping Centre, said the plans to close the store were only proposals at this stage.
He said the shopping centre was currently working with House of Fraser and its store in Telford currently remains open for trade. Telford and Wrekin’s Mayor, Councillor Raj Mehta, said it would be “a shame” to see it close.
He added: “The town centre is up and coming with lots of stores and shops but it would be missed.”
Telford MP Lucy Allan said she was concerned about the workers and the impact of the potential closure on the shopping centre.
She said: “Over recent years the high street retail sector has faced an increasingly challenging environment due to the surge in online retailing.
“I am concerned about House of Fraser employees in Telford and also the impact this will have on the shopping centre itself.
“The House of Fraser store is a large anchor store in a prominent position.
“A vacant site such as this will be particularly challenging for the shopping centre.
“I want to make sure that House of Fraser do everything they can to ensure a smooth transition as possible and prioritise the needs of employees at this difficult time.”
Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard added: “I hope they might reconsider their decision.
“However the borough council must now work very hard to find an alternative anchor retailer for the town centre.”
