Shoppers have been queuing around the block - and then some - to get into House of Fraser this week.

The department store at 80 George Street in Richmond is closing for good on Sunday (September 20).

Its departure brings the curtain down on 225 years of retail history.

Residents association Richmond Society said: "It all began in 1795 when John Hunt Gosling founded a drapery store here which would later become known as Gosling & Sons."

Huge queues have been a common sight on the high street all week, as shoppers look to grab a final bargain.

They have been waiting all along George Street and right the way down King Street, right by the green.

It is not the only shop in this part of town that is set to close.

Clothes store Cos, directly across the pedestrian crossing from House of Fraser, is closing too.

advertisement

And across the road, menswear fashion shop Romeos has been holding a closing down sale.

When House of Fraser finally leaves, it may be repurposed by its owners Canadian and Arcadia.

As revealed by Richmond Nub News, they plan to convert it into a huge office block with floors for retail and leisure.

Richmond Council's Planning Committee approved the plan in principle in March but full planning permission has not yet been granted.

Richmond Nub News on social media

Join the conversation on our Facebook page

We can also be found on Instagram and LinkedIn.