Yorkshire branch of Debenhams to shut for good

Debenhams, Harrogate

Debenhams has confirmed six of its stores will not be reopening, with a total of 320 jobs affected.

Among the stores which will not reopen when coronavirus restrictions come to an end is the business’s branch in Parliament Street, Harrogate.

The department store chain said its administrator, FRP Advisory, remains in talks with “a number of third parties regarding the sale of all or parts of the business”.

But plans are going ahead for the winding down announced late last year.

Geoff Rowley, joint administrator to Debenhams and Partner at FRP Advisory, said: “We continue to engage with interested parties over alternative proposals for the future of Debenhams, but inevitably the latest lockdown has had an effect on our plans for the wind-down of the business.

“We regret the impact on those colleagues affected by today’s announcement and would like to thank all those who continue to keep the business trading in very difficult circumstances.”

The insolvency firm said it still intends to reopen as many stores as possible to sell off stock, despite coronavirus restrictions keeping non-essential retailers shut.

The chain is also still selling some stock online.

The 242-year-old department store entered a liquidation process last month after it was unable to secure a last-minute rescue sale.

Debenhams has been in administration since April last year. Its problems pre-date the pandemic, which has damaged many other high street retailers.

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