Debenhams shuts down four more stores for good

Four more Debenhams stores are set to stay closed after the lockdown is lifted.

Outlets in Southampton, Swindon, Kidderminster and Borehamwood will not reopen, the retailer has said.

The news comes a week after Debenhams announced that its Truro, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Salisbury, Westfield in west London, Warrington, Leamington Spa and South Shields would remain closed, with 400 jobs being axed.

Debenhams said it could not rule out further closures and it was looking to reopen “as many stores as possible” when restrictions are lifted.

Debenhams chief executive Stefaan Vansteenkiste said: “In these unprecedented circumstances the appointment of the administrators will protect our business, our employees, and other important stakeholders, so that we are in a position to resume trading from our stores when Government restrictions are lifted.

“We anticipate that our highly supportive owners and lenders will make additional funding available to fund the administration period.”

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.