I worked in historic department store set to close down

Many UK residents are likely to have seen their familiar high streets in towns or city centres change before their eyes over the past decade. It’s certainly been a testing time for retail in recent years – and it’s sad to see many classic shops close down, not least traditional British department stores.

There’s something so delightful about shopping in a high-end department store, but the tradition is sadly dwindling with mass store closures of high street favourites seemingly an ongoing concern. I worked in an iconic House of Fraser for several years, and as much as shoppers visited for retail purposes, the large shop also served the community as a place to chat, socialise or get advice. Shoppers, including myself, enjoyed the ease of popping into a quality department store for an occasion dress, along with make-up and skincare options, while at the same time enjoying some food or coffee during a visit.

Now, sadly, many once-valued department stores stand as empty landmarks in much-loved city centres – and one of the few remaining House of Fraser stores (in Plymouth, Devon) is now set to shut down in March 2026.

I worked in the Plymouth House of Fraser for several years representing several concessions in the store, Nepresso (coffee machines), Mango fashion, Clarins (skincare and make-up), and Ted Baker.

All the staff in the store (including me) would be dressed up smartly to represent the overall brand along with the concession, so, for example, when I worked on Mango I’d be wearing their latest fashions.

Other classic British brands such as Royal Doulton, Wedgwood and Waterford were available to purchase in store – and many figurines could be viewed in a top-notch glass cabinet.

I worked in House of Fraser from 2010 until 2020, when the Covid pandemic year of 2020 hit I’d already started to study journalism via the NCTJ (National Council for the training of Journalists).

At the time, in 2020 I was furloughed; what a strange memory of a time that now seems like light years ago but also, somehow, like it was only yesterday.

The atmosphere in House of Fraser was always fun, professional and sociable when I worked there – and many of the daily characters wandering through would partly be in the shop for a chat, as well as doing some shopping.

On the fifth floor the Dingles cafe (retaining the old name for all this time) was – and still is for the time being – a popular meet-up place for shoppers; the views across the city from here are intriguing and will be sorely missed.

The ground floor of House of Fraser in Plymouth houses a large Caffè Nero and sitting just outside, or inside by the huge windows, is a great place to people-watch; it will be so sad to see this go.

I’m absolutely gutted this iconic store is closing, it will be sorely missed when the doors shut forever in March 2026 – and I’m saddened that many will probably lose their jobs.

One thing that really stands out when I think of House of Fraser is the immaculate windows, featuring the latest fashions, kitchenware, furniture and skincare or make-up. But now the windows are plastered with closing down signs.

Over the last decade I’ve seen Debenhams in Plymouth shut down – and this building remains abandoned, awaiting its future.

BHS was also shuttered-up several years ago, but when it was still open, along with Debenhams at the time, there were three department stores in the city of Plymouth – how things have changed.

House of Fraser had a real community vibe when I worked there, mothers of brides-to-be coming in for gorgeous attire, even brands such as Coast being a choice for bridesmaids, but that clothing label is now primarily only sold online.

Trying on an item is all part of the shopping experience, I find ordering online, then posting it back if it’s no good, can really be a lot of hassle – and I prefer to visit shops, but they keep closing down.

Originally named “Dingles” this classic House of Fraser store has been loved by locals for over 100 years, even bouncing back after the 1941 Blitz – and it’s so sad that it’s shutting down.

First opening as a drapery shop in another part of the city, Dingles, named after founder Edward Dingle, first opened in 1880.

The old site was burned to the ground after German bombs hit the area in 1941, but Dingles was reborn on Royal Parade in September 1951. At the time it was the first new UK department store to open for over a decade, even boasting Plymouth’s first escalator.

The department store became House of Fraser in 1988, but is still fondly known as “Dingles” locally. Also in 1988, a severe fire, started by animal rights activists, damaged the upper floors of the store. It was one of five House of Fraser’s that were targeted nationally as part of an anti-fur campaign at the time.

I wonder what is on the cards for this building now, in the heart of the city, when it shuts the doors forever in March 2026.