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Debenhams confirms three further store closures

Lauretta Roberts
09 June 2020

Debenhams has confirmed that a further three stores will not re-open after lockdown having failed to agree new lease terms.

The stores in Milton Keynes, Watford and the Metrocentre, Gateshead are all based in centres operated by Intu, which is in financial difficulty itself. Their closure will result in the loss of around 300 staff.

A spokesperson for the company said: "Sadly we have been unable to agree terms with the landlord. As a result these stores will not be re-opening in line with the rest of the chain next week. We greatly regret the effect on our colleagues, who have served our customers with commitment and dedication."

Since lockdown Debenhams, which is operating in a "light touch" administration, has confirmed that 20 of its 142 stores will not be re-opening from next week, when non-essential retail is permitted to welcome customers again.

Debenhams is planning to leave lockdown in a phased manner. This week it has opened three stores in Northern Ireland and from next week 50 stores will be opened in the UK. The rest of the re-openings in England will follow with Scotland and Wales subject to their Government's guidance.

In addition to the store closures, Debenhams has made a raft of job cuts at its London HQ, with around 400 jobs cut across departments including buying, merchandising and HR.

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