ABOUT US
We're House of Fraser (fondly known by those who love us as 'HOF') and we've been on a mission to provide your heart's desires for more than 150 years. From humble Drapery shop in Victorian Glasgow to internationally inspirational department store, we've come a long way and we're still making history every day. We're so much more than just a house; we're a whole universe full of your favorite things. Want to know more about how the magical walk-in wardrobe we call home came to be?
1849
Way back in 1849, Hugh Fraser and James Arthur opened a drapery shop at the corner of Argyle Street & Buchanan Street in Glasgow. By 1941, what started as a small local shop acquired a number of businesses in Scotland and became House of Fraser ltd.
House of Fraser history 1849
1953
In 1953, with Hugh Fraser's sons at the helm, we add binns ltd to our list of businesses bought, extending our reach across Scotland and into north east England and Carlise. In 1957 House of Fraser takes control of luxury department store, Harrods.
House of Fraser history 1953
1971
During this time, we take on a number of stores, some of which go on to become the brands you love to wear today; including Dickins & Jones, Rackhams & Cavendish House.
House of Fraser history 1971
1994
Through this period we continue to grow, acquiring Dingles group in 1971 and gaining new owners, the Fayeds, in 1985. In 1994 House of fraser becomes a PLC, and is floated on the stock exchange for £484 million. A major refurbishment programme begins.
House of Fraser history 1994
2000
Between 1997 & 2000, we launch our now renowned house brands including womenswear, menswear & homeware collections by Linea and a womenswear collection by Therapy.
House of Fraser history 2000
2003
We open the London city store in 2003, in 2005 stores open in Ireland and Norwich. Jenners & Beatties department stores became part of the House of Fraser brand. With executive chairman Don McCarthy, chief executive John King and the rest of the highland group team now running the show, we launch 12 new house brands, each with their own identity and target market, they quickly develop a following.
House of Fraser history 2003
2013
2013 sees House of Fraser go global! Our first international store opens in Abu Dhabi's world trade center mall.
House of Fraser history 2013
2015
Following record Christmas sales in 2014, this year marks the beginning of a new and exciting journey for House of Fraser as we welcome our new owners, Nanjing Xinjiekou department store co. Ltd, and continue to grow our online business.
House of Fraser history 2015
2018
In May 2018, amid a tough retail landscape, the group entered a company voluntary arrangement which included plans to close over half of House of Fraser stores. On 10th August 2018 the business filed for administration, before being bought by Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct International (SDI) later that day.
House of Fraser history 2018
Since August, SDI have demonstrated their commitment to revitalising the House of Fraser business by saving numerous stores from closure and buying outright the building which houses our flagship store: Frasers in Glasgow. We are now at the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we welcome our new owners.
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