{"id":166592,"date":"2020-06-09T16:57:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-09T16:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theindustry.fashion\/debenhams-confirms-three-further-store-closures\/"},"modified":"2021-08-06T12:06:06","modified_gmt":"2021-08-06T12:06:06","slug":"debenhams-confirms-three-further-store-closures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theindustry.fashion\/debenhams-confirms-three-further-store-closures\/","title":{"rendered":"Debenhams confirms three further store closures"},"content":{"rendered":"
Debenhams has confirmed that a further three stores will not re-open after lockdown\u00a0having\u00a0failed to agree new lease terms.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The stores in Milton Keynes, Watford and the Metrocentre, Gateshead<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/strong> We greatly regret the effect on our colleagues, who have served our customers with commitment and dedication.\"<\/p>\n Since lockdown Debenhams, which is operating in a \"light touch\" administration, has confirmed that 20 of its 142 stores will not be re-opening<\/strong> from next week, when non-essential retail is permitted to welcome customers again.<\/p>\n Debenhams is planning to leave lockdown in a phased manner.<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n In addition to the store closures, Debenhams has made a raft of job cuts at its London HQ,<\/a>\u00a0with around 400 jobs cut across departments including buying, merchandising and HR.<\/p>\n