Debenhams prepares to reopen 50 UK sites

Debenhams has announced it is preparing to reopen a 50 of its sites in England in phases from the beginning of next week.

The department store announced three stores with street access will open in Northern Ireland on 8 June, including the Belfast flagship, with Debenhams’ two remaining stores in Northern Ireland to open shortly thereafter.

A further 50 stores will reopen in England on 15 June, with the rest to follow later in the week.

The company said preparations for reopening are “well underway” with strict social distancing and hygiene procedures being implemented across all stores in adherence with the latest government guidance and instruction.

Meanwhile, stores in Scotland and Wales will reopen once government restrictions allow.

Steven Cook, managing director, Debenhams, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming customers back to our stores in the coming weeks. 

 “From the installation of perspex screens at till points to the roll-out of social distancing procedures and PPE, we have been working hard to ensure our colleagues and customers can work and shop with confidence.”

He added: “Our reopening plans follow the successful conclusion of lease negotiations on 120 stores, meaning that the vast majority of our stores will be reopening.” 

The news comes as Debenhams revealed that five of its stores housed in Intu shopping centres will not reopen post-lockdown, effectively slashing over 1,000 jobs.

A Debenhams spokesperson said the retailer will continue to engage in “constructive talks” with its landlords and has agreed terms on the vast majority of its stores, which it “looks forward to reopening when government restrictions allow”.

Debenhams added that the closures have “no reflection on the commitment of its colleagues” in these stores and said it is “extremely grateful for their support”.