Director Shareholding

Great Universal Stores PLC
14 June 2001


                          THE GREAT UNIVERSAL STORES P.L.C.  
                               ('the Company')

On 12 June 2001, Towers Perrin Eagle Star Plan Services (Guernsey) Limited, as
trustee of The Great Universal Stores ESOP Trust ('the ESOP'), purchased 350,000
ordinary shares of 25p each in the Company at a price of £6.382768 per share.
Directors of the Company are potential beneficiaries of the ESOP and accordingly
this share purchase is deemed to increase their interests in the ordinary share
capital of the Company.

The ESOP now holds 1,800,000 ordinary shares of 25p each in the Company
purchased as follows:

Date of purchase           Number               Price per share
 7 April 2000             1,200,000                 £3.791300
 8 June  2000               250,000                 £3.902592
12 June  2001               350,000                 £6.382768
                          1,800,000