A major UK department store will lose another branch in the new year, leaving it with just 11 shops in a blow for the British high street. House of Fraser has confirmed that its Plymouth branch will shut in March 2026, following a string of other closures in recent years including nearly 50 since 2018. Frasers, which also owns Sports Direct and Game, reported an overall increase in sales for the first half of its financial year to October, but declining sales from the House of Fraser brand itself.

A sign appeared in the window of the Plymouth department store on December 30, informing customers of the upcoming cessation of business, PlymouthLive reports. It comes after the chain’s Cabot Circus store in Bristol shut last year after 200 years in the southwest England city.

Steve Hughes, chief executive of Plymouth City Centre Company, said he was not aware of the plans to close the city’s House of Fraser branch but admitted it would be a loss to the local retail scene.

“We know the building has been on sale for some time,” he said. “Of course it would be a shame to lose the House of Fraser brand, but I’m sure more news will transpire soon.”

The 190,087 square-foot site has been listed online for £3 million, with a long lease in place and potential extensions.

Frasers’ total revenue for the six months to October 26 totalled £2.6 billion, up by 5% compared to the year prior.

The spike was driven by rising sales for Sports Direct, which recently opened its biggest flagship store in Liverpool, and luxury fashion brand Flannels, however.

The retailer said conditions have improved since last year’s autumn budget, which it blamed for driving costs up by around £50 million, but added that “subdued customer confidence” is continuing to impact sales, especially outside its luxury division.

Plymouth local Tia Thyer told the BBC she was worried the store closure meant the city was “losing its spark”.

Fellow resident Andrew Thompson added: “It’s an iconic building, it’s been here forever, a but like St Andrews and the Civic Centre… I just hope it’s going to be turned into something nice.”

Frasers has been contacted for comment.