Bargain-hunters out in force as chain Begins its closing-down sale
DEBENHAMS stores across Wales have opened for the last time as hundreds of shoppers flocked to the popular chain to pick up a final bargain.
Several branches across the country are opening to get rid of its stock after the chain went into administration.
“Solemn” scenes were described on Monday in the Cardiff store, as nonessential retail finally reopened after months of lockdown.
The closure of Debenhams is a devastating blow to Welsh city centres where the department store had been one of the major draws bringing in shoppers.
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 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.
At the Cardiff location yesterday, hundreds of shoppers descended on the store to grab a final bargain. A long snaking queue was seen outside the St David’s shopping centre spot.
Some parts of the store looked almost how they would have been left in December when the early lockdown was brought in.
Stands full of alcohol, chocolates and gift sets were heavily discounted, but other than the reduced prices there was little indication that they were being sold off.
Crowds were a similar number you’d see at Christmastime, and around the gift section, it felt like it could be the festive period.
Lots of the cosmetics were 30% off, while handbags were 40% reduced and some women’s clothes were up to 70% off. One dress that was usually £120 was down to £49.
Up on the top floor, a large part of the home section was closed off and items were marked as not to be sold.
Our reporter at the store said: “There are really big queues at the tills. I haven’t seen it this busy in years. It’s sad that people are now coming out to support the shop when it’s too late. The atmosphere is a bit solemn, although people are mainly just out for a bargain.”
Daniel Buckley, who was queuing outside Debenhams in Cardiff, said: “In many stores, there’s just going to be a change in consumer behaviour. I think shops will become a front for collections and returns.
“I have no guess in five years time what it will look like. Consumer behaviour has changed too much because of lockdown.
“Sometimes you just need an excuse to go outside and shopping is a good one. It stops you from being lazy.”
Another Debenhams shopper in the capital, Carol Roux, said: “We’re happy
they’re opening. I’m just going to see what’s on. It’s nice to get the economy going again. It’s an extra step to getting back to normal, as long as people are sensible. It’s nice to get out and do our bit for the economy. I just feel sorry for people who work in the shops not knowing whether or not they have got a job when they come back.”
Hundreds of eager shoppers were also spotted at Debenhams in Swansea and Newport, all keen to make the most of the final sale. In Newport there were huge queues for both Debenhams and Primark.
Debenhams stores will start to close permanently from May 2, with the stock clearance completed and final stores expected to close by May 15.