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Shoppers and experts react to the planned closure of Harvey Nichols in Birmingham
Overview
Luxury department store Harvey Nichols has announced it will close its Birmingham Mailbox store in January, following its acquisition by Frasers Group. Retail experts have called the closure a huge blow to the city following previous losses like John Lewis and House of Fraser, though some shoppers noted they preferred online shopping or designer outlets.
Key points
- Harvey Nichols has confirmed its luxury department store at The Mailbox in Birmingham will close in January.
- The closure follows Frasers Group taking control of the business in August and warning that significant restructuring was needed.
- Retail expert Professor Sarah Montano described the loss as a huge blow to Birmingham following earlier closures of John Lewis and House of Fraser.
- Some shoppers expressed indifference, noting they primarily shop online or prefer designer outlets rather than high-end department stores.
- Frasers Group chief executive Michael Murray has indicated that other locations, such as Leeds, may be converted into Flannels shops.