Mixed response to store’s online plans

FENWICK has been a Newcastle institution since the 19th Century but the department store has decided it needs a radical overhaul to move with the times.

Around 2,000 Fenwick staff face a nervous wait as the Northumberland Street-based chain plots a strategy for securing the business’s future.

Chief executive Robbie Feather told The Chronicle a “significant proportion” of its workforce will be affected by sweeping changes designed to maintain Fenwick as a major retail name during a difficult time for the sector.

One of Mr Feather’s plans is to expand Fenwick’s online presence, by opening an e-store. Currently, Fenwick does not sell products online, or offer click-and-collect like rivals such as John Lewis.

Readers on The Chronicle’s Facebook page were split over news that Fenwick plans to modernise. Lucy Jones wrote that she has been “astounded” at its lack of online shop. Her post said: “For years and years other shops have adapted. But not Fenwick. John Lewis offers click-and-collect which increases footfall.”

Philip Alexander said he thinks his “favourite” department store Fenwick needs to embrace e-commerce to “keep with the times of the future of retail”.

Moira Bowkett replied: “Yes agree, have said for years now they need to go online.”

But others like Fenwick for its heritage and tradition. Some fear plans to centralise its structure instead of running stores autonomously and increasing its online focus could mean Fenwick loses its appeal.

Angela Kehoe Smith wrote: “All this talk about people shopping online, which people do, including me. However nothing beats the actual shop, and most women and some men love to shop and have coffee etc, wandering around shops is relaxing.”

Susan Johnson Cuscani lives in Milan, and says prices in Fenwick rival those in Italy’s fashion capital. Her post added: “Bring back the old Fenwick where there were prices for every pocket and the atmosphere was less snobby.”