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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Jan- 2021 -22 JanuaryAdvice
Don’t relapse into a brick-and-mortar mentality
Despite vaccines being rolled out and there being some semblance of light at the end of the tunnel, the situation for brick-and-mortar stores this year remains bleak. In-store retail continues to struggle and according to a recent report from The Centre for Retail Research, up to 200,000 in-store jobs could…
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21 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Apricot switches to turnover rent after CVA
Apricot, the women’s fashion retailer, has changed the lease agreements for the majority of its UK portfolio to turnover-based rents, according to Drapers. The decision, which will impact 13 of the brand’s 14 UK stores, was reportedly given the green light on 15 January. The move came as a result…
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18 JanuaryHigh Street
Next in the lead for Arcadia Group
High street retailer Next is allegedly the lead bidder in the race to buy Arcadia Group out of administration, The Sunday Times reports. Next, which is headed by Simon Wolfson, is said to be bidding for the group with US hedge fund Davidson Kempner. However, the pair face competition from…
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13 JanuaryDepartment Stores
Debenhams to shutter six stores, 320 jobs affected
Debenhams has announced that six of its sites will no longer reopen this year, as part of the group’s ongoing winding down and stock liquidation process. In a statement released today (13 January), the group confirmed the move will affect 320 roles within its business. Debenhams said that while it…
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Dec- 2020 -14 DecemberClothing & Shoes
US group eyes Arcadia and Debenhams takeover
Authentic Brands, the US owner of New York department store brand Barneys, is reportedly eyeing a double takeover of Debenhams and Arcadia Group, according to the Telegraph. The retail group has reportedly entered discussions with the administrators of both businesses, placing chairman Jamie Salter in “direct competition” with Mike Ashley,…
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10 DecemberSport & Leisure
Frasers Group reports 30% rise in half-year profits
Frasers Group has reported a 29.1% surge in after-tax profit to £84m in the 26 weeks to 25 October. The Mike Ashley-owned retail group said lockdown closures across its non-essential stores have resulted in a 7.4% drop in group revenue to £1.9bn. Over this period, Frasers Group’s sport retail business…
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7 DecemberDepartment Stores
Frasers Group in Debenhams takeover talks
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has entered discussions involving a possible takeover of Debenhams, the group confirmed today. It comes as Debenhams collapsed into administration last week, placing 12,000 jobs at risk, after talks with JD Sports over a potential rescue deal failed. The department store chain will continue to trade…
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2 DecemberHigh Street
Bonmarche calls in administrators, 1,500 jobs at risk
Bonmarche has collapsed into administration for the second time this year, placing 1,500 jobs at risk. Damian Webb and Gordon Thomson of RSM have been appointed as joint administrators of the store, with the “intention to continue to trade” while options for the company were explored. In a statement the…
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1 DecemberClothing & Shoes
Debenhams to be wound down, 12,000 jobs at risk
Embattled department store chain Debenhams is to be wound down, placing 12,000 jobs at risk, after talks with JD Sports over a potential rescue deal failed. The business will continue to trade through its 124 UK stores, as well as online. If it does not receive any alternative offers from…
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1 DecemberDepartment Stores
Debenhams fears collapse as JD exits rescue talks
JD Sports has confirmed it has pulled out of rescue deal talks for Debenhams earlier today (1 December). The sports retailer is said to have been closing in on a deal up until the end of last week and was the firm’s last remaining bidder, which is in administration. Retail…
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