Sunday marked the end of an era for one UK town as Darlington’s House of Fraser store closed its doors for good after more than 100 years of trading. The former Binns department store on High Row welcomed its final customers on Sunday, March 8, bringing an end to more than a century of retail history on the town’s high street.

The landmark store first opened in 1922 and became a staple of Darlington’s shopping scene for generations of local residents.House of Fraser reportedly took over Binns in 1953, with the Darlington branch becoming the only remaining store to continue trading under the historic Binns name.

The closure had originally been scheduled for April 2026, but the date was unexpectedly brought forward. The store launched a major closing-down sale before closing for good, drawing crowds of shoppers eager to grab bargains while also saying a final goodbye.

Many long-time residents visited over the weekend not only to make the most of the last-minute deals but to pay their respects to a shop that had been part of the town for generations.

One shopper was heard by the Northern Echo saying: “It’s really sad seeing it like this.”

Kevin and Clare Howlett, from Darlington, also told the news outlet that the closure is a shame for the town.

“It’s sad to see it go. It’s my go-to place to buy my wife a posh bag.

“I do think it’s such a shame for the whole town.

“The younger generation will miss out as it has been such a fantastic place for the town. It’s 100 years of history gone.

“Fingers crossed someone has a good notion to do something good with the building.”

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Another local shopper added: “It’s sad about it going. It’s criminal really. The area needs more shops and more variety. The only place you’ve got to buy high quality clothes is Next now.”

A spokesperson from Darlington Borough Council said: “The news that House of Fraser is closing is disappointing, the store has been at the heart of our town centre for many years and will undoubtedly be a miss for Darlington shoppers.

“As we learn more about the details of the closure any relevant and appropriate support we are able to provide will be offered.”