Sadness as one of city’s last department stores to close

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The move has been described as "a huge blow to the city and shoppers".

The Mailbox store doubled in size in 2015 and is home to more than 200 brands – many exclusive to the city.

Sarah Montano, professor of retail marketing at the University of Birmingham, said the loss of the store would be a "huge blow", particularly following the closure of John Lewis in 2020 and more recently House of Fraser in June.

However, some shoppers told BBC Radio WM that, although they enjoyed shopping in the city, they had never visited Harvey Nichols.

Plans to close the store emerged after closing-down-sale posters appeared at its entrance earlier this week.

The BBC has contacted Frasers Group, which took control of the Harvey Nichols stores in August, for comment and understands staff members were informed of the proposals on Monday.

When it took control, the group warned that "significant restructuring" was needed to ensure the nearly 200-year-old business remained sustainable.

Two shoppers, Chris and Heidi, said while the store was "lovely to look at", they had never been inside.

They said they tended to shop online and while they came into the city "to have a look around", they would prefer the space to be occupied by a less high-end store.

"I don't mind Ikea being there – that was just a rumour – but I don't mind it," Heidi added.

Another shopper, Alisha, who was visiting the city, said she was not bothered by the closure as she shopped online.

James Holmes, who is from Dudley but works in The Mailbox, agreed that the closure was "no loss" for him.

He added that he preferred to go to designer retail outlets instead.

"Department stores are fading away a bit, and it's just [a case] of another one bites the dust," Holmes said.

He said he had noticed a decline in the number of people who went into the store "over the past five or so years" and believed the cost of living crisis had played a role.

"I don't think people can afford the high, high-end fashion, with what's happening," he added.

KJ Dixon, Lauren Lawson and Helen Parkinson, who were visiting Birmingham from Lancaster, said they were drawn to the city as it had more large chain stores than Lancaster.

"I'm like, 'Let's go somewhere big to go shopping,'" Dixon said.

She added that while online shopping was more convenient, it was a shame the department store was closing.

"If it's a big purchase, like make up or handbags I want to see it and feel it. I want to speak to people too; I want that personal interaction," Dixon said.

Lauren Lawson said her shopping habits had "contributed to the problem".

"I browse in those stores, and then I buy [it] online for cheaper. But I very much enjoy shopping, so I think it is a shame," she said.

Montano said Harvey Nichols "showcased the reputation of Birmingham" and highlighted how the city was "a premier shopping destination".

She added that a "coordinated approach", involving multiple stakeholders, including Birmingham City Council, was needed to secure the city's future as a shopping hub.

Despite Harvey Nichols' closure, she said the city's Bullring shopping centre was "thriving", with new stores opening.

Harvey Nichols' Leeds store also appears set to be converted into a Flannels shop, following comments made by Frasers Group chief executive Michael Murray.

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