British luxury department store chain The House of Fraser has closed down one of its two UAE stores, in Abu Dhabi’s World Trade Centre.
The shop, which was the brand’s first outside the UK and Ireland, opened in the capital a little over two years ago in October 2013.
The store ended its contract with the mall this month and was quickly replaced by a discount clothing and accessories shop, DTA Outlet, with some of House of Fraser’s surplus merchandise being sold there, The National newspaper reported.
The mall gave no reason as to the end of its partnership with the House of Fraser, but said it is due to reveal new partners for the retail outlets.
“We are close to announcing details of new exciting anchor tenants. World Trade Centre’s strategy for 2016 will ensure that this space is utilised by new tenants to best serve our customers. Contracts are currently being negotiated with new partners and information will be provided when appropriate,” it said in a statement.
The Abu Dhabi House of Fraser branch in the World Trade Centre mall featured over 170 brands, personal shopper services, and the country’s first Hello Kitty beauty spa.
The 9,200 square metres store stretched across four floors. Its successor, the DTA Outlet, occupies just the ground level and first floor of the former location.
The brand’s second store, located in Yas Mall, is still operating but is currently offering over 75 percent off of its merchandise.
The House of Fraser made its first profit in 10 years last year, achieving pre-tax profits of $1.8 million (£1.3m) in 2015. The turnaround, from a $4 million (£2.9m) loss the previous year, has been attributed to strong sales online and refinancing under its new Chinese owners, according to chief executive Nigel Oddy.
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