Director Shareholding

Great Universal Stores PLC
12 January 2001


The Great Universal Stores PLC has received notification of the following
purchases by directors of Ordinary shares of 25p each in the Company:

a)  Mr Eric Barnes has today purchased 5,000 Ordinary shares at a price of
£4.8075 per share. Following this purchase, Mr Barnes now holds 30,000 Ordinary
shares in the Company.

b)  Lady Patten of Wincanton has today purchased 2,070 Ordinary shares at a
price of £4.8075 per share. Following this purchase, Lady Patten now holds 4,370
Ordinary shares in the Company.