Fenwick says it has 'no plans for store closures' as it calls in restructuring experts

Department store retailer Fenwick has confirmed that it has no intentions of closing stores, despite restructuring experts assisting the business.

The Newcastle-based firm has experienced losses in recent years and is currently changing the hosting of its website as part of cost-cutting measures.

Consultancy firm AlixPartners is working with the chain, which now has eight stores across the country. Fenwick has been operating at a loss since 2019 and sold its Bond Street, London store in a £430m deal in 2022.

Last year, management acknowledged that trading had been difficult due to the cost-of-living crisis - fuelled by inflation and high mortgage costs - and shifts in the retail market. Accounts for Fenwick Limited, covering the year up to January 2024, reveal the business reduced its pre-tax losses from £71.1m to £38.1m.

At the same time, operating losses before exceptional items - encompassing property sales - decreased from £46.6m to £45.2m.

Company executives have talked of their attempts to attract both new and existing patrons to the chain's sophisticated, multi-brand offerings throughout the UK. They have discussed strategies aimed at enhancing efficiency in their shops and supply chain, as well as returning to profit through a commitment to what they referred to as "retail basics" and protecting product margins, reports Chronicle Live.

Following the closure and sale of its Bond Street location, Fenwick operates its flagship establishment in Newcastle, along with other sites in Kingston, Brent Cross, Colchester, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Bracknell, and York.

The business has focused on distinguishing itself from its competitors by investing in customer service and hospitality experiences. In Newcastle, Fenwick’s "masterplan" has led to collaborations with North East staples such as Greggs and Barbour, plus Michelin-starred eatery Hyem, and the Mother Mercy cocktail bar.

The business has also expanded its private-label merchandise dubbed Fenwick at Home products, alongside its own restaurant ventures Fuego and Mason and Rye. Last year, in Newcastle, it opened what it claims is the UK’s largest beauty hall outside London last year.

Notably, Fenwick was criticised for its delayed response to the surge in online retail, initiating its web presence as late as 2019. Despite predictions for greater growth online, the company maintains that its brick-and-mortar outlets will continue to reign supreme in sales for the foreseeable future.

After an unsuccessful attempt to bring former Harrods senior executive Nigel Blow on board last year, the reins of Fenwick have been taken up by family members Mia Fenwick, serving as executive deputy chairman, and Hugo Fenwick, in the role of retail managing director. It is believed that under their stewardship, the company has witnessed its most favourable six-month trading period in the past five years.