Our Story

How do we do it? How do we maintain our lead as one of the Icons of British Fashion Retailing, fresh and dynamic, offering the most incredible range and quality of merchandise - unique labels and outstanding service - when we’re over 150 years old? Simple. Throughout the years, House of Fraser has always re-invented itself to change with the times, to remain at the cutting edge. Style never goes out of fashion.

We also think it has something to do with the quality of service we deliver to our customers. A principle that was uppermost in 1849 - the year that Hugh Fraser and James Arthur opened their business in Glasgow, Scotland. From humble beginnings we have grown - acquiring many local Department Stores and expanding our growing portfolio into exciting new locations.

As of 2009 we have over 62 Stores - most being House of Fraser - but some still trading under their well known local names such as Jenners, Beatties and Binns. Our portfolio includes Stores in Ireland as well as the UK and a steady process of new store openings will see that number go from strength to strength. Belfast is our biggest new store to date and our recent opening at the prestigious Westfield London Shopping Centre brought home just how much of a leading brand we are.

House of Fraser is a place where designer names and exclusive collections can be found at affordable prices. Our name is one that is trusted and our Stores - rebranded under our new image - offer a premium shopping experience. An aspirational place to find the look and the career you deserve.

Facts and Figures

  • 62 stores in the UK and Ireland
  • 5 million sq ft selling space
  • Annual sales in excess of £1.25bn
  • Transactional website launched in 2007
  • 1 million account card customers
  • Multi-channel Wedding List service launched September 2008
  • 6,500 House of Fraser and 10,000 concession staff
Elena