Harvey Nichols in Manchester has been taken over by Frasers Group, and the new owner has already stated that significant changes are required to revive the struggling luxury department store.
When Frasers Group announced the acquisition last week, its boss Michael Murray said: "It is clear meaningful change is needed." The historic store, once hailed as an "iconic British institution", peaked in the 1990s during the era of Absolutely Fabulous, when the London flagship was a backdrop for characters Eddie and Patsy. The announcement that Harvey Nichols would open its first Manchester store in the early 2000s generated excitement across the city. It launched in 2003 on New Cathedral Street opposite Selfridges.
Annual catwalk shows drew famous faces and the city's style crowd, while footballers and their wives were regularly photographed shopping there. However, shoppers have noticed for some time that the store needs renewal. At Christmas, the usual glitzy window displays were replaced by two bedraggled Christmas trees.
Frasers Group's plans for Harvey Nichols
Commenting on the acquisition, Frasers Group Chief Executive Officer Michael Murray said: "Harvey Nichols is an iconic British institution with significant potential, but it is clear meaningful change is needed. The turnaround will require tough choices, and we are prepared to make those decisions, even if that means a smaller business in the near term, to create a stronger and more sustainable Harvey Nichols for the long term." He added: "By integrating Harvey Nichols into our existing luxury ecosystem, we believe Frasers Group can deliver the expertise, infrastructure and commitment needed to give the business the best chance of long-term success."
Julia Goddard, Harvey Nichols' Chief Executive Officer, said: "I look forward to working closely with Frasers Group to build on the momentum already underway, driving sustainable growth through greater operational efficiency and enhanced infrastructure, and continued investment into customer experiences to ensure Harvey Nichols remains a distinct and relevant luxury destination for both our customers and brands." She added: "I am incredibly proud of what our teams have achieved and grateful for the commitment and resilience they have shown throughout this period of uncertainty, which has laid the foundations for this next chapter."
First impressions and the beauty hall
A walk around the Manchester store this week revealed a very quiet store. The luxury beauty brands have disappeared one by one from the ground floor beauty hall. Where luxury handbags once were, there is now a large selection of sunglasses. To the right, where Fenty, Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown and Hourglass make-up stands once stood, there is now a range of glass vases, jugs and shell cutlery. Trinny Woodall's beauty was the most recent addition by the entrance, but no sales person was present during the visit.
Upstairs, the former food hall has been dropped, and the neighbouring deli bar and cafe is boxed off behind hoardings. The minimalist decor on the women's fashion floor remains, and staff are not very visible. The new season displays show only tiny sample sizes, requiring customers to ask for larger sizes. The store currently has a sale where all available sizes are out on the rails.
Food, views and online shopping
The top floor, where the mini food hall used to be, is now barren. Menswear has trickled into that space. There is still a selection of fine wines and booze, but a much smaller curation than in its heyday. The floor-to-ceiling windows on the top floor offer stunning views of Manchester, but the main restaurant space has lights and glazed stickers on the windows. The corners of all floors offer great views over Deansgate, but these are currently filled with sofas.
The personal shopping experience at the Manchester Harvey Nichols remains excellent, with a friendly and helpful team in a luxurious suite with giant dressing rooms. The online shopping experience is currently unavailable while the transition takes place. The website had previously frozen and would not reload, requiring a one-hour wait in the Manchester store to rectify a gift voucher issue.
