House of Fraser in Richmond closed this afternoon (Sunday, September 20).

The departure of this "anchor" store changes the face of the high street significantly.

Writing for us, Richmond BID (Business Improvement District) said it will "miss the high-quality brand concessions that House of Fraser provided", but added: "we know that times have changed and that a more flexible experiential offer is required".

People have been queuing all week for half-price bargains, with lines stretching back as far as Richmond Green.

The store was only planning to open for three hours on its final day, but door staff had a large crowd of shoppers outside at well past its planned closing time of 1pm.

But despite this final burst of trade, shoppers told Richmond Nub News that it has been "deathly quiet" for too long.

Patricia who works as a barista in Richmond said it was her favourite store.

Today she bought perfumes and yesterday bagged a T-shirt, taking advantage of the half-price sale.

"I'm sad because the store is lost," she said. "I work here in a coffee shop and this is my favourite shop."

A changing world

"It's a sad thing," echoed Anne Burchett from Twickenham, who walked out of the store around 1pm," if you look around and see all the shops closing. It's the same in Kingston.

"I think people have picked up different shopping habits during the pandemic.

"But, to be fair, House of Fraser has been dying for a number of years.

"I remember popping in last summer and there must have been 10 people in there.

"There were more staff than customers. It was deathly quiet.

"Young people don't buy there anymore. I've got an 18 and a 24-year-old. They buy, for example, from Asos and send it back if it doesn't fit.

"The young generation, for them it's almost bizarre to go into a shop. It's a changing world."

...and changing face of Richmond town centre

This part of town around 80 George Street has seen a number of recent closures, with more to come.

Next door Bowleys Fine Shoes shut in July, although nearby stores in Twickenham and Teddington remain open. Jo Malone and Superdrug have also closed.

On the other side of House of Fraser over the pedestrian crossing, Cos is holding a closing down sale, as is menswear fashion shop Romeos opposite.

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