Shoppers groan when the coffee chain with 600 branches closes the department store site

An iconic coffee chain with 600 branches is set to close one of its popular locations and shoppers are frustrated by the move.

Caffe Nero, a favorite among busy passersby, is being forced to close its location in a legendary department store.

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House of Fraser has announced that its popular hub in central Carlisle will close at the end of May.

And while shoppers were disappointed with the measure, others are very angry at the news that their favorite indoor coffee stop will also close.

One local resident even complained that the town had become a ‘shadow of its former self’ after reading about the closure of Caffe Nero.

Some initially hoped the branch would be able to continue operating from the ground floor of the department store.

But bosses were forced to confirm yesterday that it would close its doors in less than three months.

The local resident wrote online: “This is not good news for our already struggling city centre, which is a shadow of its former self.”

And someone else moaned: “NERO is the best for cappuccino!”

Caffe Nero said: “Unfortunately, due to the closure of the House of Fraser store in Carlisle, we are currently planning to close our affiliated store.

“We really enjoy working in the city and are actively looking for a property where we can stay and continue to serve the community.”

But better news for shoppers is that the popular coffee chain has stressed its desire to remain in the Cumbrian city and are looking for alternative places to set up shop.

The Carlisle House of Fraser store has plastered signs advertising a huge 20% discount at the close of sale in its windows.

It’s home to big brands like Calvin Klein, Superdry, Paul Smith and Ted Baker, so it might be worth popping in before Monday to pick up some bargains.

One customer said: “Ah, that’s very sad to hear a lot of great memories in this place, especially in the cafe and lifts.”

A third wrote: “Stripped. Fraser’s is great for guys.”

A fourth posted: “Stripped. Fraser’s is great for boys.”

House of Fraser was saved from collapse in 2018 by billionaire businessman Mike Ashley.

But while the deal saved the chain’s 59 stores and the 17,000 employees who were dealing with the fallout from the crisis, many more stores have closed in recent years and only 28 department stores remain.

In recent months, the chain has closed several of its once-iconic department stores.

A string of them also closed in 2023, including in Birmingham, Cardiff and Guildford.