The store underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment, bringing in new fashion labels and modernising the store to bring it in line with the new John Lewis store which opened nearby in late 2009. The department store itself was also rebranded from 'Howells' to the core marque 'House of Fraser', however due to the store's status as a listed building, the 'James Howell & Co' signs remained. In August 2010 banners referring to the store as 'Howells' appeared above the main entrances and the House of Fraser signage.