Debenhams reveals date for final stores closures ahead of online future

Debenhams has revealed that its remaining stores are to shut next week – signalling the end of its 242 years on the high street.

The department store chain, which collapsed in December, said its final 49 sites would close for good on either the 12th or 15th of May.

It had already shut 52 stores up to 8 May as stock, which could only be shifted as COVID-19 lockdowns eased, was sold off.

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A full list of the locations still open and their closure dates is below

Debenhams said there were “unmissable discounts” across all the stores still trading, with up to 80% off all fashion and home and up to 70% off beauty and fragrance products while stocks lasted.

A spokesperson said: “We are now heading into the final days of our closing down sale and this is the very last chance for our customers to take advantage of some incredible deals.”

The final closing down sale marks the end of a staple on UK high streets and the loss of almost 12,000 jobs though Debenhams is not disappearing altogether.

Administrators sold the brand to online-only player Boohoo for £55m back in January.

The company is expected to relaunch the Debenhams online proposition later in the year.

The announcement on the looming store closures followed the publication of Boohoo’s annual results which reported “early rewards” from its purchase of the Debenhams name and three brands from within Sir Philip Green’s former Arcadia empire – Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Wallis.

The company reported a 35% rise in pre-tax profits in the year to 28 February to £125m.

Revenues surged 41% as it benefited from the online shopping boom during the pandemic, which forced non-essential retailers to close their doors.

Boohoo boss John Lyttle said: “Our newly acquired brands are being re-energised and made relevant for today’s consumer across a broader market demographic.

“We are very excited about their potential and are already seeing the early rewards from their growth.”

The group said it expects to post 25% sales growth for the current year, with 5% of this from the recently acquired brands.

Boohoo shares were trading slightly down in response.

Debenhams stores closing on 12th May

• Ballymena

• Banbury

• Barrow-in-Furness

• Bath

• Beverley

• Blackburn

• Bournemouth

• Carlisle