Homeware retailer to occupy former Debenhams store

Homewares retailer, Dunelm, is coming to Beverley’s Flemingate centre.

Dunelm is bringing its new superstore format to Flemingate and will take over the former Debenhams department store to become the centre’s new anchor operator.

Flemingate’s owner, Wykeland Group, has secured the retailer in the latest major boost for the retail and leisure destination.

Dunelm has taken a 10-year lease on the two-storey former department store and will begin fitting out the building in the next couple of weeks.

The new store is expected to open just before Christmas as the latest addition to Dunelm’s network of more than 170 outlets across the country.

The 41,000 sq ft store will showcase Dunelm’s multi-department format.

It will feature well-known departments including curtains to cookshop, Made to Measure and a Decorate & Co-ordinate department, including Dunelm’s range of own brand paints and a Take Home Today furniture department.

It will also include a Dunelm’s own Pausa coffee shop.

The arrival of Dunelm will create around 40 jobs and will mean Flemingate is almost fully let, having bounced back strongly from the pandemic.

Dominic Gibbons, managing director of Hull-based Wykeland, said: “The closure of Debenhams created a highly-desirable retail opportunity in a prime location within a vibrant destination and we were always confident of attracting a high-quality new operator. We’ve now delivered on that confidence.

“Dunelm’s commitment reflects the strength of Flemingate and also the appeal of Beverley as a prosperous and growing retail and leisure marketplace.”

Steve Barton, Dunelm director of property, said: “This is a great opportunity for Dunelm to bring our latest store offering to customers in Beverley.

“Our new Flemingate store will have everything needed to help savvy customers refresh and revamp their homes, from simple haberdashery items to stylish and highly affordable furniture.”

The Dunelm news comes just two months after the opening of a store bringing together Sports Direct and streetwear and fashion brand USC.

Frasers Group, owner of the retail brands, committed to a 10-year lease on the 10,000 sq ft store as part of a series of new multi-brand openings in prime locations across the UK.

Meanwhile, urban playground operator Jump Inc has taken over and relaunched Flemingate’s inflatable play park and is investing £300,000 to expand into a neighbouring unit to introduce more activities.

Other new openings in recent months have included a Vintage & Co hair salon and One Stop convenience store.

David Donkin, Wykeland property director, said: “All of these new operators have added value to Flemingate and enhanced the experience for shoppers and visitors to the centre.

“Football is already running at 20% ahead of the equivalent period before the pandemic and Dunelm will give those numbers a big boost.

“We’re looking forward to a very busy Christmas shopping season and 2022 is set to be a very exciting year for Flemingate.”

The Debenhams store at Flemingate shut in May this year as part of a national closure programme after the department store group went into administration.

Online retailer Boohoo acquired the Debenhams brand but decided not to retain its stores across the UK.