The luxury department store chain was rescued from administration in August
Harvey Nichols is to disappear from Bristol and Leeds under plans by retail giant Frasers Group, Business Live understands. The luxury department store chain was rescued from administration by owners Sports Direct in August.
It is understood that Frasers will convert two of its branches – at Quakers Friars in Bristol and Briggate in Leeds – to the Flannels brand. It will still retain Harvey Nichols stores in London Knightsbridge, Edinburgh and Manchester.
Harvey Nichols has been on the high street in Leeds for 30 years, while in Bristol it has been operating since 2008.
The news comes amid the launch of Frasers Group Luxury – a portfolio of retail businesses that includes British brands Flannels and Harvey Nichols, along with US luxury retailer The Webster.
Michael Murray, chief executive of Frasers Group, said: “Luxury has been a core pillar of Frasers Group for over a decade, starting with Flannels and growing into a £1b+ profitable luxury ecosystem in just 10 years.
“With over 100 stores in the UK and US, we have built the expertise, scale and brand relationships to support our next phase of growth.
“Our ambition is clear: to continue to grow Frasers Group Luxury globally through organic expansion, acquisitions and strategic investments, creating long-term value for brand partners, customers and the group.”
Flannel was bought by Frasers Group in 2017 and has more than 80 stores across the country, while The Webster is part of the business in 2025 as the retail conglomerate enters the US market.
Julia Goddard, CEO of Harvey Nichols, said: “Frasers Group provides Harvey Nichols with the expertise, support and speed to build on our legacy and shape the next chapter. Our understanding of luxury, combined with a strong operational and commercial approach, gives us the confidence to invest, grow and build for the long term.
Frasers, owned by British billionaire businessman Mike Ashley, started as a single UK store in 1982 and was renamed from Sports Direct International to Frasers Group plc in 2019.
The East Midlands-headquartered business has hit out at a number of high street brands in recent years, including a failed attempt to take over Somerset handbag retailer Mulberry in 2024.
Mulberry said the offer from Frasers did not recognize “substantial potential future value”.