Debenhams reveals date its last stores will close Business News

Debenhams has revealed that its last stores will close on May 15 off Main Street after 242 years.

The department store chain collapsed late last year when the coronavirus pandemic toppled it, its large number of long leases leaving it exposed to the shaking of lockdown restrictions.

The closure of all physical stores in Debenham was confirmed in January when online fashion giant Boohoo agreed to buy just its website and brand in a $ 55million bailout deal. pound sterling. Some 12,000 people are expected to have lost their jobs by the end of the liquidation of Debenhams.

The group had previously confirmed that 52 of its remaining 101 stores would close on Saturday, May 8, but has now laid out the plan for the remaining 49.

They will close for good on Wednesday May 12 and Saturday May 15, with managers offering huge discounts of up to 80% on fashion and 70% on perfumes and beauty lines.

A spokesperson for Debenhams said: “We are now entering the final days of our closing sale and this is the very last chance for our customers to take advantage of amazing offers.

“Our sincere thanks go to all of our colleagues and clients who have joined us on this journey. We hope to see you all one last time in the shops before we say a final farewell to the High Street of UK. “

On Wednesday, Boohoo announced that the Covid-19 restrictions had led to a boom in online sales for its businesses, with pre-tax profit surging by more than a third.

This growth was facilitated by its acquisition of Debenhams and three brands in Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia portfolio, as well as previous buyouts of Warehouse and Oasis, he told shareholders.

Complete list of impending closures

Stores close on May 12

Stores close on May 15

Additional reports from the Press Association