Fenwick confirms Leicester closure date

Historic department store Fenwick has confirmed it will close its Leicester outlet on 31 March.

Management at Fenwick first announced the Leicester store was to close on 5 January.

The landmark store, on Market Street, was bought by Fenwick in 1962 from Joseph Johnson, and has been a mainstay of the city’s shopping scene ever since.

However, a spokesperson for Fenwick said changing shopping habits had hit the shop hard.

A Fenwick spokesman said: “Fenwick will now begin a consultation period with its employees. During this time the store will continue trading as normal under the leadership of David Illingworth.”

Fenwick group chairman Mark Fenwick, said: “This has been a very difficult decision for us, as we have been committed to serving the people of Leicester for over 50 years, but the challenging trading environment and gradual loss of footfall, has made it impossible for us to find a way forward that enables the business to trade successfully. Looking after our Leicester employees and customers will now be a top priority.”