Six Debenhams stores close permanently as Derby branch survives for now
DEBENHAMS has announced the permanent closure of six of its department stores across the UK.
The department store chain’s flagship Oxford Street shop, in London, will close, along with branches in Portsmouth, Staines, Harrogate, Weymouth and Worcester.
The stores will not reopen following the current coronavirus lockdown, with the loss of 320 jobs.
Though it has not been included in the latest list of stores closing, the long-term future of the branch at the Derby Centre, formerly Intu
Derby, remains uncertain.
Debenhams started a liquidation process last month after failing to secure a last-minute rescue sale.
Administrator FRP Advisory has said it is continuing to talk with third parties over the potential sales of all or parts of the historic retail business. The insolvency firm said it still intends to reopen as many stores as possible to sell off stock when non-essential retailers are able to reopen following the lockdown. Geoff Rowley, joint administrator to Debenhams and partner at FRP Advisory, said: “We continue to engage with interested parties over alternative proposals for the future of Debenhams. Inevitably the latest lockdown has had an effect on our plans for the wind-down of the business. We regret the impact on those colleagues affected by today’s announcement and would like to thank all those who continue to keep the business trading in very difficult circumstances.”