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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Jun- 2025 -3 JuneDepartment Stores
Spring heatwave sparks 500% retail sales surge at Debenhams Group
The Debenhams Group, which includes Debenhams, Karen Millen, Boohoo, Man, and PrettyLittleThing, has reported a 500% surge in sales and a 1,000% increase in searches for certain summer products this May, compared with the same month last year, driven by the spring heatwave. New data, which looked at the demand…
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May- 2025 -27 MayHigh Street
Oxford Street vacancies drop below pre-pandemic levels
The rate of vacancies on Oxford Street in London has fallen to 0.5%, the first time it has fallen below 1% since before the pandemic, according to data from Savills. Savills attributed this to an undersupply of quality vacant space, noting that good quality retail space has become “increasingly constrained”.…
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22 MayHealth & Beauty
Revolution Beauty enters formal sales process
Revolution Beauty has announced the beginning of a formal sales process after it received a preliminary approach from an unnamed company. On 13 May the beauty retailer said that it was reviewing its funding structure and in light of this is exploring discussions in respect of support for an equity…
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14 MayPeople Moves
Not On The High Street appoints Jessica Nesbitt as CEO
Not On The High Street has appointed Jessica Nesbitt to the role of CEO, replacing Leanne Rothwell, who is stepping down after two-and-a-half years at the helm of the company and an overall 13-year tenure. Nesbitt, Not On The High Street’s current chief growth officer, will step into the role…
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12 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-12/5/25
Boots chairman Stefano Pessina is set to increase his stake in Walgreens Boots Alliance to nearly 50% following the company’s $10bn takeover by private equity firm Sycamore. While Pessina, who previously held a 17% stake, will invest more to expand his share, Sycamore will take majority ownership. The deal, valued…
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12 MayClothing & Shoes
Debenhams Group exploring £175m debt refinancing deal
Debenhams Group, formerly known as Boohoo, is in discussions to refinance up to £175m worth of debt, according to reports from The Telegraph. The online fashion company is reportedly looking to access the high yield market for £50m of the proposed total. Debenhams Group has also sounded out several asset-backed…
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Apr- 2025 -3 AprilFeatures
Is going private the next big trend in retail?
Walgreens Boots Alliance was acquired by the American private equity firm Sycamore Partners in a deal valued at up to $23.7bn (£18.3 billion). Around the same time, Pepco Group, owner of Poundland, received interest from potential buyers for its 825-store Poundland business in the UK. With major retailers opting for…
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Mar- 2025 -31 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-31/3/25
Primark CEO Paul Marchant has resigned with immediate effect following an investigation into an allegation regarding his behaviour towards a woman in a social setting. Parent company ABF launched an external probe, after which Marchant acknowledged his “error of judgement” and apologised to the individual, the board, and Primark employees.…
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31 MarchClothing & Shoes
Boohoo finalises Debenhams rebrand despite Frasers push-back
Boohoo Group has confirmed its rebrand to Debenhams Group at its General Meeting following the initial announcement of the name change earlier this month (11 March), despite strong opposition from Frasers Group. It comes as 62.04% voted in favour of changing the corporate name from Boohoo Group to Debenhams Group,…
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25 MarchFeatures
How hard is it to turnaround a legacy brand?
Britain has a long and storied history with retail having a number of companies which have been established for well over a century. However, in recent years many of these legacy brands have struggled, especially as retail has become so much about online. Many of these brands have had to…
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