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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Dec- 2019 -19 DecemberHigh Street
Debenhams landlord challenges High Court CVA decision
A Debenhams landlord has decided to appeal against a recent High Court ruling which paved the way for the embattled retailer’s CVA to go ahead. According to a report by the Telegraph, the Salford-based landlord is hoping to “overthrow” the legal win from two months ago. In September, the High…
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11 DecemberDepartment Stores
Debenhams appoints John Walden and Kevin Conroy as non-executive directors
Department store Debenhams has appointed John Walden and Kevin Conroy as non-executive directors of Celine Jersey Topco, the parent company of the Debenhams Group. Walden is currently chairman of Naked Wines (formerly known as Majestic Wine plc) and was previously held the position of chairman at Holland and Barrett International.…
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Oct- 2019 -25 OctoberPeople Moves
Topshop appoints ex-M&S buying director as fashion head
Topshop has appointed former Marks and Spencer buying director, Gillian Ridley Whittle, as its new fashion director. Whittle began her career at Debenhams as head of buyer in 2000, where she moved on to Marks and Spencer after four years, where she began her role as head of buying of…
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24 OctoberPeople Moves
Debenhams poised to name Mark Gifford as new chairman
Debenhams is reportedly about to name Mark Gifford, former chief financial officer at House of Fraser, as its new chairman. According to Sky News, Gifford’s appointment as chairman of Debenhams holding company, Celine Holdings, could be revealed by the end of this week. His career included being the chief financial…
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10 OctoberDepartment Stores
Debenhams secures £50m cash injection from creditors
Debenhams has revealed it has secured a £50m loan facility with some of its existing lenders to help it through the busy festive period. Following the successful consent solicitation concluded on 6 September 2019, the department store chain said the new cash injection will provide the group with an additional…
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Sep- 2019 -20 SeptemberHigh Street
High Court rejects legal challenge against Debenhams CVA
The High Court has rejected the legal challenge against Debenhams proposed CVA, which was funded by Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct. The challenge was made by the Combined Property Control Group (CPC) – the landlord of six Debenhams stores in England as it argued the CVA was “designed to create a…
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10 SeptemberHigh Street
Sports Direct among bidders for Links of London
Sports Direct is one of two final bidders attempting to buy jewellery brand Links of London from current owner Folli Follie (FF Group), according to reports from Sky News. FF Group appointed firms Deloitte and Savigny to find a buyer for Links in late August, after the brand pulled out…
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3 SeptemberHigh Street
Sports Direct wants to ‘eliminate Debenhams as a competitor’, court hears
Sports fashion retailer Sports Direct is reportedly seeking to “eliminate Debenhams as a competitor” by funding a lawsuit which would push it back into administration, the High Court heard on Monday. At the court hearing, Debenham’s lawyer, Tom Smith QC, said the retailer believed Sports Direct was “backing the case…
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2 SeptemberHigh Street
Debenhams engages Deloitte for legal challenge against CVA
Debenhams has engaged ‘Big Four’ accounting and audit firm Deloitte in preparation to fight a legal challenge to its restructuring plan. In May, the retailer secured the backing from creditors to go ahead with a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), which earmarked 50 sites for closure and approved rent reductions at…
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Aug- 2019 -16 AugustComment
The case for personalisation
From the dawn of modern consumerism offering a personal touch was a key differentiator for high-quality retailers and service providers keen to set themselves apart from the rest. Remembering client names, previous purchases or children’s birthdays added that ‘je ne sais quoi’ that bonded retailer to customer. It fostered loyalty,…
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