The Rich History of House of Fraser and Frasers | From Glasgow to the United Kingdom

From its humble beginnings as a small drapery shop in Glasgow to becoming one of the most iconic department stores throughout the United Kingdom, House of Fraser and Frasers have left an indelible mark on retail history. With over 170 years of trading under their belts, these institutions have seen it all – from two world wars to economic recessions – yet they remain steadfastly relevant today. Join us as we delve into their fascinating past, exploring how they grew from a single store in Scotland to a beloved national brand that has captured the hearts (and wallets) of shoppers across the UK.

David Fraser was a shrewd businessman who saw the potential for retail in Glasgow’s rapidly growing population. He quickly became one of Buchanan Street’s most popular merchants, and his shop soon became a go-to destination for fashionable women and gentlemen alike.

In 1877, David Fraser decided to expand his business into Edinburgh, and he opened a second store on Princes Street. This was followed by a third store in London in 1880. By this time, David Fraser had developed a renowned reputation as one of Scotland’s leading retailers, and his stores were well known for their high quality merchandise and stylish design.

What is Frasers Group?

House of Fraser is a British retailer, with over 1,000 stores across the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1849 in Glasgow by William Fraser and George Smith. Today, Frasers Group (formerly House of Fraser) is one of the largest department store chains in the United Kingdom and employs nearly 15,000 people.

Frasers began as a small shop on Glasgow's Buchanan Street, stocking fabrics and notions for ladies' dressmaking. The company quickly grew, opening new stores in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. In 1867, Fraser opened his first men's store on Princes Street in Edinburgh. This marked the beginning of what would become a global business empire.

In 1879, House of Fraser acquired its first branch outside of Scotland: in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. This was followed by branches in Manchester and Liverpool two years later. By 1889, House of Fraser had opened stores in Birmingham, Bristol, Leicester and London (the first store outside of Scotland).

Origins of House of Fraser and Frasers

The House of Fraser is one of the oldest and most prestigious department stores in the United Kingdom, having been founded in 1849 by David Fraser. The Frasers were a prominent Glasgow family who had long been involved in the retail trade, and David Fraser decided to open his own store after observing the success of similar businesses in London.

The initial range of products offered by the House of Fraser was limited, but it quickly developed a reputation for offering high quality clothing at reasonable prices. The store soon became popular not just in Glasgow but also throughout Scotland and northern England, and by 1870 it had opened branches in Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

In 1896, the House of Fraser acquired its first chain of stores, opening outlets in Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham. In 1933, the Frasers sold the business to Bernard Sunningdale Ltd., a British textile manufacturer whose chairman was Lord Woolton. Under Sunningdale's management, the House of Fraser underwent a period of rapid expansion, opening stores in Cardiff, Bristol, Belfast and Dublin as well as acquiring several other retailers including Maplin & Son Ltd., Evans Brothers Ltd. and Foulkes Brothers Ltd.