Debenhams loss labelled ‘inevitable’ by shoppers

ONE of Dundee’s most popular department stores could be gone for good after talks to save Debenhams broke down at the 11th hour.

And business chiefs have warned the Overgate shop could be the last of a dying breed, with fears over another huge empty unit in the city centre.

Debenhams had been in administration since April, and had already closed several stores and cut 6,500 jobs.

However, the Dundee branch, one of the retailer’s best performing stores, survived the initial cull.

But hopes that the high street giant’s slimmed-down operation could be saved were dashed yesterday when JD Sports, the last remaining bidder, withdrew.

It comes after Arcadia, which owns a number of concession shops in Debenhams as well as Topshop, another Overgate staple, plunged into administration with 13,000 jobs now at risk across the UK.

Tom Williams, a senior manager at the Overgate, said the centre would continue to work with the administrators.

Alison Henderson, chief executive of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, said it was hard to see how the high street could recover from the closure.

She said: “I often try and see a positive in these stories but unfortunately I just don’t see it here – this is going to be a huge blow, not just for Dundee but for cities across the UK.

“A place like Debenhams creates such big footfall that everyone else benefits, so for the Overgate and city to lose that really is a huge loss.

“Also, it’s a big employer and a lot of jobs will go when it closes.

“I’m very sorry for all the people who have lost their jobs, it’s been a difficult year and it’s