Department Stores
The latest news, updates and analysis on the department stores segment of the the UK retail industry. Sign up to the Daily Briefing and let Retail Sector’s business journalists keep you in the picture.
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Jun- 2020 -5 June
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…
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May- 2020 -28 May
Mike Ashley fails to prompt financial investigation into Debenhams
Retail mogul Mike Ashley has failed to trigger an investigation into the financial affairs of embattled department store chain Debenhams, reports have claimed. According to Sky News, Ashley’s lawyers requested that a “provisional liquidator” be appointed to handle the investigation. However, judge Mark Mullen refused to make the appointment during…
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7 May
Debenhams cuts over 1,000 jobs as five stores shutter permanently
Embattled department store chain Debenhams has 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…
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Apr- 2020 -20 April
Debenhams closes seven stores amid further landlord talks
Debenhams has announced the permanent closure of seven of its stores resulting in the loss of 422 jobs and has entered negotiations with landlords over some of its remaining stores. The department store chain, which entered administration earlier this month, closed seven of its sites including its Westfield Shepherds Bush…
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9 April
Debenhams enters administration
Embattled department store chain Debenhams has officially entered administration, and has appointed Geoff Rowley and Alastair Massey of FRP Advisory to handle the process. The group said it has entered administration to “protect Debenhams in the UK from the threat of legal action” that could have the effect of pushing…
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8 April
M&S announces series of initiatives to support NHS staff amid Covid-19
Marks and Spencer has announced a series of initiatives to support NHS staff amid the coronavirus pandemic. M&S has announced it is to donate thousands of specially branded t-shirts to form part of the uniform pack for the NHS Nightingale frontline team in London, as well as deliver clothing care…
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3 April
Debenhams readying to appoint administrators amid Covid-19
Department store chain Debenhams is reportedly set to enter administration for the second time in a year in order to protect the business from creditors during the coronavirus outbreak. According to Sky News, the embattled retailer could file for administration as early as next week, with ‘Big Four’ accountancy firm…
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Mar- 2020 -25 March
Fenwick closes online operations amid Covid-19 virus outbreak
Department store Fenwick has announced the temporary closure of its online operations amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Fenwick closed all its retail stores across the UK last week and has now ceased its e-commerce operations after the prime minister urged all stores selling “non-essential” products to close to help prevent…
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23 March
John Lewis stores to close for first time in 155 years
John Lewis Partnership has announced the temporary closure of all John Lewis stores in light of the coronavirus pandemic. All 50 sites will cease trading today (Monday 23 March), after the “difficult decision” was confirmed by its board. It marks the first time in the group’s 155-year history that its…
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20 March
Harrods to close amid coronavirus chaos
World-famous department store Harrods is to close its doors this evening (23 March) due to the coronavirus pandemic. It said the welfare of its community of colleagues, customers and partners has been its “absolute priority throughout this time of uncertainty”. As a result, it has made the “very difficult decision”…
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