Retail expert talks ‘sadness’ over Darlington Binns closure

Last month, it was confirmed that the town’s former Binns store, on High Row, would be closing for good – just 16 months after it was previously earmarked to shut before being saved. 

It marks the end of an era for the retail chain, which has been in Darlington since August 1922 but will close its doors for the final time in April. 

This week, John Taylor, director of Parker Barras and agent of the owner, branded the news as “disappointing” but insisted it was House of Fraser’s loss. 

Now, award-winning retail consultant Graham Soult has given his verdict on the closure, saying it is not a reflection on the town and instead Frasers’ wider offering across the country.

Graham Soult said it was a ‘moment of sadness’ (Image: Graham Soult)

He also said that the “will-it-close-or-not hokey cokey” has allowed for future planning – with bosses of the High Row building already having approval to split the ground floor into six shops. 

“Having traded as Binns for over a century, and before that as draper Arthur Sanders since 1770, the closure of Darlington’s House of Fraser is of course a moment of sadness”, he said. 

“But we’ve been here before, and we’ve had seven more years of Binns than if it had closed, as originally intended by the previous owners of House of Fraser, in 2019.

House of Fraser is set to close its shop in Darlington (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

 “After the store’s stay of execution just over a year ago, it’s unfortunate that the investment I argued for then – or even a transformation into a modern Frasers store – has not been forthcoming. 

“However, the will-it-close-or-not hokey cokey has at least given the building’s owners time to plan for the future, with proposals to split the building into smaller units already approved.

 “Whether or not Frasers Group might intend to maintain a more modest presence in the building, this reconfiguration will provide a prime opportunity for the national retail and leisure brands that I know from my networks are queuing up to trade in the town, complementing the brilliant independent offer that I am always praising.”

House of Fraser is set to close its shop in Darlington (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Mr Soult said it was “disappointing” to see the town being portrayed negatively, saying Darlington “remains vibrant and attractive relative to similar-sized towns elsewhere, especially given all the prevailing challenges”. 

He continued: “House of Fraser closing is not really a reflection on Darlington at all – it’s a reflection on Frasers Group pretty much closing all the remaining House of Fraser stores, with numbers now down to single digits compared to almost 60 branches less than a decade ago.

 “So, let’s be proud of Binns’ heritage, but look forward to the future by doing more of everything that is already great about Darlington, and laying out the welcome mat to those firms, national or indie, who want to join its business community.”

House of Fraser is set to close its shop in Darlington (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

As reported, the flagship store announced it was shutting on January 30 when closing down signs were erected on the windows of the shop.

Darlington Borough Council said the announcement is “disappointing” for town centre shoppers. 

It marks the second time the national retailer has announced the closure of the store after previously publicising its intention to close in 2024.

At the time, Graham said it was sad news but once again reiterated that the future remained bright, even without the department store.

Soon after the building was purchased by a new owner and House of Fraser was saved. Another deal was then struck for the retailer to stay an extra year last March.

A council spokesperson said: “The news that House of Fraser is closing is disappointing.

“The store has been at the heart of our town centre for many years and will undoubtedly be a miss for Darlington shoppers. As we learn more about the details of the closure, any relevant and appropriate support we are able to provide will be offered.”

Mr Taylor added: “The town is fantastic and it has got lots of promise. 

“I think Darlington is doing a fantastic job as it is. People are saying this is a loss for the town but actually it is a loss for House of Fraser. 

“The building is in a fantastic location and I think with a bit of thought they could have quite easily stayed on and made something great. 

“For some reason, they don’t want to invest in the town and that is their loss. My thoughts go out to all of those staff who have been loyal to the company.

“It is disappointing to lose a tenant in such a key location.”

Frasers Group declined to comment.