Debenhams launches rates battle to decide future of company August 25, 2020 Beleaguered department store Debenhams has launched a fight against business rates hikes, warning it could be forced to shutter more stores and lay off thousands of workers if it is unsuccessful. The retailer has appealed to a tribunal about a 12 per cent jump in business rates to £1.1m at its Swansea store. Debenhams, which [...]
Debenhams axes 2,500 jobs in bid to cut costs after coronavirus lockdown August 11, 2020 Debenhams has axed 2,500 jobs as it seeks to reduce costs following the coronavirus lockdown, in the latest blow for the struggling UK high street. The department store chain, which permanently closed 20 stores during lockdown, said the trading environment is “clearly a long way from returning to normal” after lockdown restrictions were lifted. The [...]
Three more Debenhams stores to stay closed when lockdown eases next week, bringing total to 20 June 9, 2020 Debenhams will not reopen three more stores when lockdown restrictions on retailers are eased next week, in a move that will cost around 300 jobs. The news brings the tally of Debenhams outlets that will stay closed next week to 20. It comes after the retailer failed to agree terms with the landlord, embattled shopping [...]
Debenhams reveals first UK stores to reopen this month June 4, 2020 Debenhams has revealed which UK stores are set to reopen when lockdown restrictions are eased for retailers later this month. The department store chain said three Northern Ireland stores. Including the Belfast flagship shop, will open on 8 June. A further two stores will open in Northern Ireland shortly after. In England, 50 stores will [...]
Debenhams cuts ‘hundreds’ of head office and store jobs May 28, 2020 Embattled retailer Debenhams is preparing to cut “hundreds” of jobs, with both head office and in-store roles set to go. Debenhams, which is set to reopen most of its branches on 15 June, will cut some in-store roles due to reduced opening hours and the continued closure of services such as cafes, City A.M. understands. [...]
Coronavirus: Debenhams and Arcadia in talks with landlords over store closures April 19, 2020 Major high street retailers including Debenhams and Topshop owner Arcadia are negotiating with landlords over whether stores will reopen after the coronavirus lockdown ends. All non-essential retailers were ordered to close when the government implemented restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus last month. However, some stores will not reopen when the lockdown is relaxed [...]
Debenhams to permanently close Irish stores after appointing administrators April 9, 2020 Department store chain Debenhams has fallen into administration and announced that it will permanently close its stores in Ireland. Debenhams has appointed FRP Advisory as administrators in the UK in a move that it said will protect the high street chain from legal action. The retailer said it could have faced liquidation while its 142 [...]
Debenhams administration could provide blueprint for ‘freezing’ companies during coronavirus crisis April 6, 2020 Debenhams today gave notice to appoint administrators for what it said would be a “light touch” administration with the management remaining on board. This approach accords with ideas being floated by City insolvency lawyers who have proposed using the administration regime to mothball companies during the crisis and reviving them when economic conditions improve. Luke [...]
Coronavirus: Debenhams seeks landlord support for new restructuring plan March 31, 2020 Embattled department store Debenhams is reportedly in urgent talks over a further restructuring plan that could involve more store closures. The high street chain has ramped up discussions with landlords due to the coronavirus outbreak. Debenhams’ lenders, which took control of the retailer last year, are unwilling to provide further funding without landlords agreeing to [...]
Debenhams appoints headhunters for new chief executive March 11, 2020 Struggling department store Debenhams has reportedly launched a search for a new chief executive as restructuring expert Stefaan Vansteenkiste prepares to step down after less than a year. Vansteenkiste is set to leave the role within months, after taking over in August, and headhunter Spencer Stuart has been brought in to find a replacement, Sky [...]