Debenhams
This coverage examines Debenhams’ trajectory, strategies, and impact within the UK retail sector. Reporting focuses on store operations, online developments, financial performance, brand repositioning, product ranges, and executive changes. Designed for retail professionals, it offers analysis of commercial decisions, market challenges, and opportunities relevant to department store management and broader apparel and homeware retailing.
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Apr- 2021 -6 AprilProperty
Hammerson scales back Dublin retail development plans
Hammerson has reportedly scaled back its retail plans for its new development at Dublin Central, instead switching its focus towards office and Residential units. According to the Sunday Times, Hammerson has decided to reduce the size of the development’s retail space from 23,500 sqm to just 6,000 sqm. The retail…
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Mar- 2021 -24 MarchCoronavirus
Over 11,000 high street shops shut in 2020, study finds
Over 11,000 stores closed on UK high streets last year and another 18,000 could follow in 2021, according to the latest research from the Local Data Company. The figures come as 9,887 chain stores were forced to close last year with an additional 1,442 independent stores shuttering their doors for…
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16 MarchDepartment Stores
Hammerson to redevelop Debenhams store into new homes
Hammerson has announced it has submitted plans to Leicester City Council to redevelop the former Debenhams store within the shopping centre Highcross into new homes for rent. The development would see the former Debenhams department store which has been an “integral part of the city’s core” since its opening in…
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5 MarchDepartment Stores
Frasers Group warns of closures amid business rates cap
Frasers Group has warned that the £2m business rates cap announced in the spring budget on 3 March 2021 will make it “nearly impossible” for the group to take on ex-Debenhams sites with the inherent jobs created. The group stated that the cap for businesses from July 2021 to March…
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5 MarchOnline & Digital
MPs call on Boohoo to link bonuses to workers’ rights
Boohoo’s chairman, Mahmud Kamani has once again been called on by MPs to improve working conditions for its employees and operate in a more environmentally sustainable manner. The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has written to Kamani urging for the head to link its bonus scheme for senior executives -which is worth…
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4 MarchComment
Integrating Arcadia’s brands into ASOS and Boohoo: Three key steps
Retail is rife with change thanks to the impact of Covid19 on the sector. Unfortunately, in recent months we’ve seen many retailers go into administration or become acquired. One notable example is Arcadia Group. Boohoo recently acquired its Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Burton brands – and ASOS acquired Topshop,…
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Feb- 2021 -22 FebruaryAdvice
Retail needs to adapt to the new necessities
“Who are these people buying heels?!” one of my team members asked in wonder today, when discussing how spending habits have changed so dramatically in the last 12 months. She couldn’t imagine why anyone would be buying anything other than more sweatpants and slippers. I didn’t tell her about the…
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15 FebruaryAdvice
How to put customers at the centre with Google Shopping automation
It is impossible to discuss retail without assessing the impact of Covid-19. The pandemic has sparked profound change across society, with lockdown measures rapidly changing consumer behaviour and forcing retailers to adapt in order to survive. Much of this change stems from the acceleration towards ecommerce. Data from the ONS…
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12 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Boohoo seeks larger London office following acquisition spree
Online fashion retailer Boohoo is reportedly seeking a larger London office following its recent acquisition spree that saw its purchases of a number of Arcadia brands and the Debenhams brand. According to the Evening Standard, Boohoo is looking to upgrade from its current London office in Euston Tower to a…
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10 FebruaryComment
Has the pandemic driven a permanent shift in consumer behaviour?
New Era If anyone was in any doubt about the future of retail, the purchase of Debenhams by Boohoo has surely sealed the deal. When an online-only retailer can snap up one of the UK’s high street stalwarts – and refuse to take either the physical stores or the warehouse…
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