Final Debenhams stores to shut as chain’s 243-year history ends

The historic department store chain will close its remaining 28 stores across the UK for good on Saturday.
Debenhams administration
PA Wire

Debenhams is to shut its doors for the final time in its 243-year history.

The historic department store chain will close its remaining 28 stores across the UK for good on Saturday after the company collapsed amid the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

It closed 21 of its sites across the UK for the final time on Thursday.

Debenhams administration
PA Wire

The retailer has suffered slumping sales in recent years as shoppers moved away from traditional department store models.

However, the enforced closure of sites during the pandemic was the final straw, resulting in the company falling into administration within weeks of the virus fully hitting the UK.

The company then started its liquidation process at the start of this year after failing to secure a rescue sale.

Debenhams, which employed more than 20,000 people before the pandemic, sold its brand and website to online giant Boohoo for £55 million in January but confirmed its bricks and mortar business would close for good.

Debenhams administration
PA Wire

It reopened sites from April 12 after the reopening of essential retail in order to clear stock across its stores.

– Final stores to close on May 15

BasildonBasingstokeBelfastBirmingham BullringBrightonBristolBromleyCardiffChelmsfordCheshire OaksColchesterCoventryExeterHanleyLakesideLeeds White RoseLiverpoolManchesterManchester TraffordMeadowhallMerry HillNewcastleNewryPlymouthRomfordRushmereSheffieldSwansea

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in