400 jobs lost as seven Debenhams stores to close

Debenhams says it has struck deals with landlords to keep most of its 142 stores open after it fell into administration earlier this month but said seven stores will not reopen when the government lifts coronavirus restrictions on non-essential shops.

The retailer said it has agreed terms on 120 branches and is in “advanced” talks on the remainder of its estate.

The stores which will not reopen, with the loss of around 400 jobs, are:

Leamington Spa
Stratford-upon-Avon
Truro
Salisbury
Westfield, west London
Warrington
South Shields

All Debenhams’ stores closed temporarily on 23 March along with most of the rest of the high street after the government ordered a lockdown on non-essential retail in order to control the spread of coronavirus.

Stefaan Vansteenkiste, the chief executive of Debenhams, said: “We have agreed terms on the vast majority of our UK stores and talks are proceeding positively on the remainder, positioning us to reopen these stores when government regulations permit.

“Regrettably we have been unable to reach agreement on seven stores and these will not be reopening, and I’d like to express my thanks to our colleagues in these stores at what I know is a difficult time for everyone.”