12,000 jobs at risk
Debenhams said six stores will not reopen. Debenhams’ liquidation in December will put 12,000 jobs at risk. The flagship store on Oxford Street, London will also close.
The move will affect 320 members of staff and will bring Debenhams’ store estate down to 118, compared to the 124 it had before it began liquidation proceedings in December.
Following the liquidation announcement on December 1, Debenhams said it would continue to plan for the ongoing wind-down of the business.
It means all of Debenhams’ 124 stores will eventually disappear from the high street.
JD Sports has been in pole position in a sale process initiated by Debenhams’ administrators following its initial insolvency announcement in April.
Before the liquidation, Debenhams had 12,000 staff.
The retailer said the renewed national lockdown last week meant that a number of stores where it was unable to agree lease extensions on will be permanently closed.
Meanwhile, Debenhams has been selling off its stock online before shutting stores through an 80 per cent off closing down sale.
Along with its 370,000 sq ft London Oxford Street flagship, other branches that are shutting include Portsmouth, Staines, Harrogate, Weymouth and Worcester.
