House of Fraser store closures set to be announced this week

The department store is blaming "greedy landlords" for the potential closures.

House of Fraser's website is still down nearly three weeks after it went into administration and was subsequently bought by Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley.

We're yet to be given full info on what's happening with gift cards, or return rights for orders placed before the takeover.

For the latest information on House of Fraser, see our  MSE News story.

What does House of Fraser say?

A House of Fraser spokesperson told the Press Association: "Some landlords are being very collaborative in order to give us a chance at turning the business around, giving House of Fraser a lifeline and saving hundreds of jobs.

"However, some greedy landlords would rather see the stores close than help save the jobs of hundreds of people.

"We will continue to try and convince these landlords but ultimately time is running out. Some closures will be announced."

Ashley had pledged to save around 47 of House of Fraser's 59 outlets since buying the chain and recently struck a deal to save the retailer's flagship Oxford Street store.

At the time of the deal, he said: "It is a massive step forward and further enhances our strategy of elevation across the group."

I'm a House of Fraser customer – what is the latest on my rights?

House of Fraser's website has now been down for more than two weeks and is displaying a notice saying: "We're currently working hard to make some improvements to the website. Don't worry, we will be back up and running as soon as possible."

With regards to gift cards, the department store is saying that customers who have them will have to post them to its head office to have them reissued – but is unable to give ANY details of what the replacement will be for or where it can be spent, despite us repeatedly asking for more information.

It also cancelled all online orders and said it would refund customers, but is yet to say when they will be processed by, or what customers' return rights are for goods bought before the takeover.

For all the information we know about your rights, see our House of Fraser to cancel and refund online orders MSE News story.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.