House of Fraser store in Darlington to close this year

The former Binns store, on High Row, will close its doors for the final time in December this year, due to the landlord's decision to terminate the lease. 

The retail chain - which has been in Darlington since August 1922 - thanked staff for their "hard work and dedication" when announcing the news today (Thursday, September 19). 

Closing down signs have since been erected on the windows of the store, with items now 20% off full price (exclusions apply).

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This marks the last House of Fraser store to close within the North East, with the nearest now being in Manchester. 

The news comes just months after The Northern Echo revealed the future of the store in the town was uncertain after the building was put up for sale. 

At the time, Darlington MP Lola McEvoy spoke of her "natural worry" over the news, with Darlington Council Chief Executive Ian Williams  adding the authority was aware and understood the sale was with sitting tenant House of Fraser. 

Commercial property advisor Cited listed the building online with a price tag of £1m, describing it as a “significant town centre repositioning opportunity”. It remains on the market. 

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A full statement from Frasers, which runs the House of Fraser brand, said: “It is with regret that we announce House of Fraser Darlington will be closing in December 2024, due to the landlord's decision to terminate the lease as they require the unit back before Christmas.

"Our customers can continue to shop the world’s most aspirational brands at Frasers.com, or access more brands from the Group’s ecosystem at Sports Direct Darlington and FLANNELS Darlington at the Cornmill Shopping Centre. 

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their hard work and dedication. Where possible, we are committed to finding new roles within the Group for staff.”