Director Shareholding

Great Universal Stores PLC
10 May 2001



INTERESTS IN SHARES

The Great Universal Stores P.L.C. has received a notification dated 9 May,
pursuant to Sections 198 to 208 of the Companies Act 1985, from Lazard Asset
Management.  The notification advises that, as of 8 May 2001, Lazard Freres &
Co. LLC, doing business as Lazard Asset Management, and its subsidiaries held a
material interest in 39,155,192 ordinary shares of 25p each in this Company.
This holding represents 3.891% of the issued ordinary share capital of the
Company.

The Company also announces that, in connection with the introduction of an SAYE
Share Options Scheme ('Sharesave'), options have been granted to directors of
the Company as set out in the schedule below.  Following this notification,
options are held by directors over 652,402 ordinary shares of 25p each in this
Company.

                           DIRECTORS' SHARE OPTIONS

Name of Director Date of Grant Period during or   Amount paid Number of Exercise
                               date on which      for grant   Shares     Price  

                               options are        of option   
                               exercisable        

Sir Victor Blank  9.2.01       1.5.06 to 31.10.06  NIL        4,394      384p

Lord Harris of
Peckham           9.2.01       1.5.04 to 31.10.04  NIL        2,522      384p

Mr T Duddy        9.2.01       1.5.06 to 31.10.06  NIL        4,394      384p

Mr J W Peace      9.2.01       1.5.06 to 31.10.06  NIL        4,394      384p

Lady Patten of 
Wincanton         9.2.01       1.5.04 to 31.10.04  NIL        2,522      384p

Mr D A Tyler      9.2.01       1.5.06 to 31.10.06  NIL        4,394      384p

Mr O H J Stocken  9.2.01       1.5.06 to 31.10.06  NIL        4,394      384p