‘Shadow of its former self’, moan shoppers as coffee chain with 600 branches to close site at legendary department store

AN iconic coffee chain store with 600 branches is set to close one of its popular sites and shoppers are frustrated with the move.

Caffe Nero, a favourite for busy passers-by, is being forced to shut down its site inside a legendary department store.

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House of Fraser announced that it’s popular hub in Carlisle city centre will be closed by the end of May.

And while shoppers were disappointed with the move, others are very upset at the news that their favourite coffee stop inside will also close.

One local even moaned that the city had become a “shadow of its former self” after reading about Caffe Nero’s closure.

Some initially hoped that the branch could continue to run from its ground-floor spot in the department store.

But bosses were forced to confirm yesterday that it would be closing its doors in less than three months.

The local resident wrote online: “This isn’t good news for our already struggling city centre which is a shadow of its former self.”

And someone else moaned: “NERO is the best for cappuccino!”

Caffe Nero said: “Unfortunately, due to the closure of the House of Fraser store in Carlisle, we are currently scheduled to close our connected store.

“We very much enjoy operating in the town and are actively seeking a premises to be able to remain and continue to serve the community.”

But in brighter news for shoppers, the popular coffee chain has stressed that it’s keen to remain in the Cumbria city – and are looking for alternative spots to set up shop.

The Carlisle House of Fraser store has pasted signs advertising a huge 20% off closing down sale in windows.

It’s home to big brands like Calvin Klein, Superdry, Paul Smith and Ted Baker, so it might be worth heading down before Monday to grab some bargains.

One shopper said: “Aww that’s very sad to hear many happy memories in this place, especially in the Cafe and the lifts.”

A third wrote: “Gutted. Fraser’s is great for fellas.”

A fourth posted: “Gutted. Fraser’s is great for fellas.”

House of Fraser was saved from collapse by billionaire businessman Mike Ashley back in 2018.

But while the deal saved the chain’s 59 stores and 17,000 workers who were facing the axe many more stores have closed in recent years and only 28 department stores remain.

Over the past few months, the chain has shuttered several of the once-iconic department stores.

A string of them also shut in 2023, including in Birmingham, Cardiff and Guildford.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk