Barren shelves a sombre end for flagship city stores
LONG queues and bustling scenes were once a common sight in Debenhams. For decades it was one of the biggest attractions for shoppers.
Always a firm favourite to find the perfect gift, pick up a new outfit or just head to the cafe on the top floor for a break, the spot was one of those places you could get just about anything.
But now the huge site has become a shell of its former self.
“Solemn” scenes were described in the Cardiff and Newport stores when non-essential retail finally reopened last month after months of lockdown for a final sale to get rid of its stock after the chain went into administration.
Yesterday sad scenes were pictured inside as shelves lay empty, with only a few shoppers milling around looking to pick up one last bargain.
Many sections are now completely empty, such as the perfume area, with only a few clothing racks left to go.
It comes as similar scenes were pictured in Swansea on Monday.
Signs in the Cardiff store yesterday said “everything must go” ahead of its final closure and once full shelves are now completely empty.
Only a handful of customers were spotted wandering around the store as staff prepared for the site to close for good.
In January the chain announced all of its stores would close after online fashion retailer Boohoo bought the Debenhams brand for £55m and will relaunch it as an online-only operation.
The stores across Wales reopened as part of Debenhams’ final stock liquidation process and will continue to trade for a limited number of weeks until the stock in the stores is fully cleared.
Last month St David’s shopping centre in Cardiff revealed “exciting ideas” for the Debenhams space.
A St David’s spokeswoman on April 14 said: “We’re sad to see the closure of Debenhams, and our thoughts are with those impacted by this. We have some exciting ideas for this space and look forward to letting people know what’s next in due course.”
It comes as St David’s confirmed that a huge flagship Zara store, in a separate unit to Debenhams, is joining the centre.
The 36,500sq ft store will be on the second floor and will offer a full range of menswear, womenswear and accessories spread across two levels.
Speaking for the St David’s Partnership, Russell Loveland, senior portfolio director at Landsec, said: “Zara is the leading brand for global powerhouse Inditex, and their commitment to St David’s is a sign of the strength of Cardiff and St David’s.
“Their market leading approach to new product and customer experience is sure to be exceptionally well-received by our guests when they open this summer.”