The last Debenhams stores will close next week Business

Debenhams stores will close for the last time next week, finally ending its 242-year presence on Main Street.

The department store chain said its remaining 49 stores will close for the last time on May 12 and 15 after it collapsed late last year.

Boohoo bought the Debenhams brand and website for £ 55million in January, but stores and employees were not part of the deal.

Debenhams had previously announced that 52 of its remaining 101 stores would close on Saturday and encouraged shoppers to take advantage of the closing discounts of up to 80% on certain clothing and housewares.

A spokesperson 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 some amazing offers.

“Over the next 10 days, Debenhams will close its doors on Main Street for the last time in its 242 year history.

“Our sincere thanks go to all of our colleagues and customers who have joined us on this journey. We hope to see you all one last time in store before we say goodbye.”

Boohoo is expected to relaunch the Debenhams brand online later this year.

Closing of stores on Wednesday May 12:

Ballymena; Banbury; Wheelbarrow furness; Bath; Beverley; Blackburn; Bournemouth; Carlisle; Chester; Chesterfield; Doncaster; Gloucester; Guildford; Harrow; Hereford; Shell; Lichfield; Mansfield; Preston; Scarborough; Warrington.

Closing of stores on Saturday May 15:

Basildon; Basingstoke; Belfast; Birmingham bullring; Brighton; Bristol; Bromley; Cardiff; Chelmsford; Cheshire Oaks; Colchester; Coventry; Exeter; Hanley; Edge of the lake; Leeds White Rose; Liverpool; Manchester; Manchester Trafford; Meadowhall; Merry Hill; Newcastle; Newry; Plymouth; Romford; Rushmere; Sheffield; Swansea.