Exclusive: The pandemic showed the limitations of an online-only model, says retail guru Future of retail A year of enforced change in buying habits where pretty much everything went online has reverted to ‘the new normal’. The Covid pandemic accelerated the shift to online; but is the future of retail really digital only? While in the short to medium term, there will remain some concerns over the logistics of browsing and [...]
Boohoo to bolster Debenhams stores and e-commerce sites in the Middle East Boohoo to bolster Debenhams stores and e-commerce sites in the Middle East Boohoo, which bought Debenhams for £55m, has partnered with the Alshaya group to bolster the ex-high street staple’s presence in the Middle East. Kuwait-based Alshaya, which currently run Debenhams stores in shopping malls, will have exclusive rights to operate the Debenhams stores and local e-commerce sites in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Oman and [...]
It’s all over: Debenhams’ 243-year history ends today as final 28 stores close for good Today, Debenhams is to shut its doors for the final time in its 243-year history. The historic department store chain will close its remaining 28 stores across the UK for good tomorrow after the company collapsed amid the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. It closed 21 other sites across the UK for the final time [...]
Debenhams announces final store closures after 240 years on the UK high street May 5, 2021 Debenhams has announced that its remaining shops will close for good next week, meaning the department store chain will disappear from the high street after more than 200 years in business. It announced its final 49 stores will be open to customers for the last time on either 12 or 15 May. The retailer previously [...]
Debenhams to reopen stores for final sale ahead of move to online April 8, 2021 Debenhams is set to reopen its stores next week to complete its final closing down sale, as the store moves online. The sale, on 12 April, forms part of the high street retailer’s final stock liquidation process and will continue until the stock is fully cleared. “This is the last chance for customers in England [...]
Boohoo confirms talks with Philip Green’s Arcadia over high street retail deal January 29, 2021 Boohoo has confirmed this morning it is in exclusive talks with Philip Green’s Arcadia group over the acquisition of Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Burton. Topshop owner Arcadia collapsed at the beginning of December, launching 13,000 jobs into uncertainty and becoming the biggest retail casualty of a harsh year on the high street. Boohoo said in [...]
Debate: Will digital retailers continue to hoover up high street chains? January 27, 2021 Boohoo’s purchase of the Debenhams brand, and Asos’ pursuit of Topshop, suggests that the online revolution has very much succeeded. But is it that simple? Vicky Bullen, CEO, Coley Porter Bell says YES You don’t have to be Mike Ashley to spot the enormous opportunity in online retail since the coronavirus pandemic hit. Never before [...]
Shakespeare: Boohoo buys Debenhams brand to broaden its customer base January 27, 2021 Online fashion giant Boohoo has bought the Debenhams brand and website for £55 million, meaning its remaining stores will be forced to close. Boohoo already purchased the Karen Millen and Coast brands in 2019, however this is the first time the e-tailer has stepped out of the fashion category, with Debenhams enabling entry to the [...]
Boohoo buys Debenhams brand and website for £55m – but stores set to close January 25, 2021 Online retail giant Boohoo has announced it will buy Debenhams’ brand and website for £55m, but will not rescue the high street chain’s stores or jobs. The deal – announced this morning – means Debenhams’ remaining 118 department stores will close down and could result in up to 12,000 job losses. Boohoo said the acquisition [...]
Debenhams closes six stores including Oxford Street flagship January 13, 2021 Debenhams has permanently closed six department stores, including its flagship site in Oxford Street, due to the third national lockdown. The retailer had planned to reopen the stores to sell off remaining stock, but the introduction of new Covid-19 restrictions means that sites where it was unable to secure lease extensions will close. The closures [...]