Darlington House of Fraser store to close in April

The retail chain, which has been in Darlington since August 1922, will close in April 2026. No exact date has yet been announced.

It was reported last month that closing down signs appeared on windows of the store, with items now 20% off full price (exclusions apply).

The chain announced on Friday, January 30 it would be closing, after staff were told earlier in the week.

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

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.”

It is the second time the retailer has announced the closure of the town centre store, after previously publicising its intention to close in 2024, before the building was purchased by a new owner. 

The store will close in April 2026 (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Store bosses later signed a deal in March 2025 to extend House of Fraser’s stay in the town centre by a further 12 months.

The news of the store's closure came three months after plans were approved to convert the former Binns store, on High Row, into six separate units.

Last month, residents and shoppers said the closure will “rip the heart out” of Darlington.

Anne Weatherall, an 88-year-old Richmond resident said she was “sad" about the news.

“I’m old and I remember it as Binns. I think it’s sad when everything is closing and going online,” she said.

Woodham resident Steve Poad, a former retail worker, was worried about what it could mean for the town too.

Steve, 70, said: “It's a real shame. Without the building Darlington is going to be dead."I think Darlington will lose its character.”

House of Fraser has been contacted for comment.