The ‘death of the high street’ saga continues with the imminent closure of Reading's iconic House of Fraser branch.

The flagship department store opened with The Oracle in 1999, nearly 25 years ago and has survived two recessions and a global pandemic but announced its closure last month.

It will close its doors for the final time on Thursday, September 28, with its connected Cafe Nero closing on October 6. The Chronicle understands staff will be redeployed to local outlets. 

In the meantime, a closing-down sale is now underway at the three-storey shop with '20 per cent off' full price items. 

Shoppers were lapping up the bargains when we visited this Tuesday, with large white sale banners hanging on most isles. Some sections were even promoting 50 per cent off selected display items.

Reading Chronicle:

Shelves are currently standing empty in the department store, with Jack Wills being left completely bare.

The House of Fraser store has been opened in Reading since 1999 and is seen as one of the last high street stores of its kind in the region. 

The business employs dozens of staff, some that have been there ever since the early days. 

Longstanding members of staff have expressed sadness over the store’s closure, having been there for almost 25 years.

Reading Chronicle: The store has been open since 1999

It comes as plans are underway to redevelop The Oracle shopping centre. House of Fraser will be divided up into three units but no further details about who might occupy these sites are known at this stage.

A planning application for 400 flats to the east of The Oracle is set to be considered soon.