Empty John Lewis reopens as a large department store 'with something for everyone'

A HUGE fashion retailer is set to take over a former John Lewis store, offering 'something for everyone'.

Frasers Group has confirmed it will open another 'new concept' store amid a wave of store closures.

Frasers Group has announced it will acquire the former John Lewis site in the Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough.

The company, owned by Mike Ashley, plans to open its new concept store in late 2025.

The concept store will feature a Sports Direct store, beauty halls and products from USC, Jack Wills and GAME.

A Frasers Group spokesperson said: “We are delighted to confirm that we will be opening a new Frasers concept store at the Queensgate Shopping Center in Peterborough, offering customers the world's most aspirational brands, as well as a dynamic beauty salon.

“A 30,000 sq ft Sports Direct store will also open, with a USC, Jack Wills and GAME.

“We are big believers in physical retail and these openings mark an exciting time for the Group as we continue to expand our store portfolio across the UK and Europe.”

In 2021, John Lewis announced it would close its flagship store, which was located in the same shopping center.

The John Lewis store first opened in 1982 and was open for almost 40 years.

Marks and Spencer confirmed it will close its store in the same shopping center last week.

The store has three floors, including a food hall and an M&S café. Shoppers could also find a variety of different clothing and a currency exchange office.

The store will be closed in April, but a final date will be determined after consultation.

The Frasers group officially opened a new concept store in September last year.

The department store opened in Norwich and the group confirmed it was also opening branches in Blackpool.

Another location in Sheffield will open this year, with the retailer taking over a former Debehmans space.

Meanwhile, Frasers Group has closed several stores.

A string of GAME stores will close this year, leaving shoppers “really devastated”.

The video game retailer, which has around 240 branches in Britain, confirmed plans for four locations.

Jack Wills has quickly disappeared from the high street.

The retailer announced no fewer than 14 store closures in just a few days in 2020.

The brand quickly lost its appeal in the years that followed, as sixth graders and college students turned to grungier styles.

Billionaire Mike Ashley made a £12.75 million bid in 2019 for the ailing company, which at the time had 110 stores in Britain and Ireland.

Why do retailers close branches?

Energy costs have risen and more consumers than ever are choosing to order online instead of going to the store.

This leaves some retailers struggling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.

Struggling fashion brand Superdry has said it is exploring various “cost-saving options” as it considers a major restructuring including store closures and job cuts.

Boots revealed it would close 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to develop its brand.

Banks have also announced the closure of several branches.

Barclays will begin pulling down the shutters at fourteen locations in England, three in Wales and three in Scotland from April.

Even thrift stores are having a hard time Oxfam confirmed last year that it would close eight of its UK stores.

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