In January 2022, the Grade II* listed building was acquired by the Thackeray Group, which announced plans to convert it into an aparthotel.

[1] The first part of the current store was built in the late 19th century and includes an ornate facade on St Mary Street.

In 1963, by which time it was owned by a Bournemouth company, Howells was bought for £3 million by Welsh banker Sir Julian Hodge, who promised the ownership would never again leave Wales.

The company subsequently sought to resolve the issue with an ethical sourcing policy including not using fur products in its clothing.

In late 2009, it underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment to bring it in line with the new John Lewis store which had opened nearby.

[5] However, on 27 September 2018 the landlord Naissance Capital Real Estate declared they were working with the House of Fraser to keep the store open.

[11] In the 1990s, the Victorian frontage on St Mary Street, neglected for the best part of 50 years, was cleaned and restored, greatly enhancing the building's appearance.

The chapel's original features - upper front windows, columns, ceiling arch and a memorial plaque - all remained visible inside the shop.