What's next for Beatties? MP in pledge over future of iconic Wolverhampton store
Senior Tory cabinet member Gavin Williamson MP says Beatties provides an 'incredible opportunity' for businesses to invest in Wolverhampton
‘Disastrous’ House of Fraser has been blasted for showing ‘complete incompetence’ in its handling of the Beatties store.
Senior cabinet member Gavin Williamson said the decision to close the iconic 141-year-old store in Wolverhampton was ‘devastating’ for the city – and he says the blame for its failure lies squarely with House of Fraser.
Beatties will close early next year as the Chinese-owned firm axes more than half of its 59 stores, affecting around 6,000 workers nationwide.
Mr Williamson, the Conservative MP for South Staffordshire, said House of Fraser, which took over 141-year Beatties in 2005, had failed to invest in the store and ‘missed opportunities’ to make it thrive.
He said today: “The closure of Beatties is absolutely devastating and it goes to show the complete incompetence of House of Fraser over the last few years.
More coverage:
“The hard working staff are the people who will suffer from it, as well as the people in the city who have such a long standing affection for the store. House of Fraser has been a disastrous owner of Beatties. They have questions to answer.
“The only hope I have got is that another business will see this as an incredible opportunity to invest in a city centre, and invest in a brand and a store that has such a fantastic reputation. This is too important to give up on.”
Mr Williamson said it was vital to find a new store to take over the site as soon as possible.
“We cannot leave any stone unturned and time is of the essence,” he said.
“It is important that it is preserved as a department store because that is what is was designed for and known as.
"I am going to be writing to other department store groups to see if coming into Beatties would be an option they would consider.
“This is a prime site with a great deal of history, if someone is willing to come in and seize the opportunity.”
Pat McFadden, the Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East, said: “This is tragic news. Beatties has been a big part of Wolverhampton for over 100 years and news of its closure makes this a very sad day. We are not just losing a shop here but part of the city’s identity and history.”
West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, who is the former managing director of rival department store chain John Lewis, spoke of his sadness over the closure. He said: “The news from House of Fraser today will be devastating to many hundreds of staff.
“As well as doing what we can to help the staff affected in the West Midlands we need some innovative and creative thinking about how we support our high streets and town centres in the digital age.” Wolverhampton South West MP Eleanor Smith said the store had been a ‘landmark’ and a vital part of city life.
Wolverhampton councillors have also expressed sadness and concern over the decision to axe Beatties.
Council leader Roger Lawrence highlighted a lack of investment in the store in recent years and warned that the closure would have ‘a very serious impact’ on retail in the city.
Senior councillor and former city Mayor John Rowley, said: “This is disastrous, but anticipated news which Wulrunians have long dreaded
“If there is no prospect of reversing the decision then it is to be hoped that everybody who cherishes the past and future of our city will come together to create a new commercial future forthright site.”
