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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Sep- 2019 -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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16 AugustClothing & Shoes
Next to replace Debenhams as Ted Baker childrenswear partner
Ted Baker has entered into a product licence agreement with Next to produce and sell its childrenswear collections. Under the agreement, which will run for an initial five-year period starting from 2020, Next will create and sell Ted Baker childrenswear products spanning baby, boys’ and girls’ clothing, shoes and accessories…
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13 AugustFeatures
Mike Ashley’s high street monopoly
Over the past two years retail tycoon Mike Ashley has been treating the UK high street as his very own personal Monopoly board. However instead of desires to develop houses and hotels on his newly acquired property, Ashley has the grander vision of ‘saving the UK high street’ and turning…
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9 AugustComment
Halting the demise of the ‘not my department’ store
Be it House of Fraser, retail bellwether John Lewis or in-the-wars Debenhams, department stores are in the news for all the wrong reasons – whether for profit warnings, sales dips or being sued by Sports Direct. The pace of change in the retail industry is ever accelerating, and department stores…
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8 AugustShopping Centres
Intu submits plans for £168m face-lift at Lakeside centre
Shopping centre operator Intu has submitted plans to Thurrock Council for a £168m development of its Lakeside centre. The proposal will look to extend the centre north and eastwards creating around 40,000 sqm of retail space, with plans for a new department store and floorspace for shops, cafés and restaurants.…
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8 AugustPeople Moves
Debenhams names new CEO as chairman Duddy steps down
Debenhams has announced the appointment of Stefaan Vansteenkiste as its new CEO and has also revealed its chairman Terry Duddy is to step down from his role. Vansteenkiste joined Debenhams in April 2019 as chief restructuring officer and has been working closely with the executive team on a new business…
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6 AugustAnalysis
What on earth is Mike Ashley’s game?
If you’ve been paying even cursory attention to the retail market over the last 18 months, you will know that the founder of Sports Direct, the billionaire Mike Ashley, has been on a mission to buy up the high street. As news of the torrent of CVAs and administrations has…
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Jul- 2019 -30 JulyPeople Moves
Centre manager appointed for upcoming Waterloo development
Commercial Developer LCR has appointed Lynne Glover as centre manager for its new development Waterloo.London. She brings over 30 years’ experience in the retail industry, joining from Angel Central Shopping Centre, where she acted as centre manager for nine years. She previously worked for CBRE, Savills, Debenhams and Buro Four.…
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19 JulyHigh Street
Capital and Regional appoints former Debenhams director
Retail property investors Capital and Regional, has appointed former Debenhams director of group property as its new commercial director. Prior to taking the role, he worked at the company as a consultant, and has since been working alongside its senior leadership team to support the company’s community strategy. Hadfield will…
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