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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May- 2019 -13 MayDepartment Stores
Debenhams CVA could cost local authorities £8.5m in business rates
Colliers International has estimated that Debenhams’ CVA could affect up to 59 local authorities, who could lose out on £8.5m of the £17.3m rates bills the department store retailer should have been paying on properties. As part of its CVA proposals, Debenhams had categorised its properties into five groupings and…
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7 MayDepartment Stores
Debenhams to ask for 50% cut in business rates bills
Embattled department store Debenhams has reportedly planning to ask 30 local authorities to accept a 50% reduction in its business rates bill, as part of its proposed CVA. According to the Sunday Times, the department store’s creditors are set to vote on the proposal on Thursday (9 May). Small landlords…
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3 MayAdvice
Why progressive web apps are the future of mobile commerce
It’s no secret that, while bricks-and-mortar retail is on the decline, e-commerce has been steadily growing in popularity. In fact, between December 2008 and December 2018, internet sales increased from 5.8% to 20% of total retail sales in the UK. However, while most retailers now recognise the importance of investing…
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3 MayHigh Street
Sports Direct facing probe from financial regulators
Sports Direct is facing scrutiny from two financial regulators over its accounts and information relating to a possible bid for Debenhams. According to The Times, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is looking into the retailer regarding the disclosure of information in relation to its bid for the department store. Questions…
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1 MayAdvice
Can e-commerce save the high street?
According to PwC a record net 2,481 stores disappeared from the UK’s top 500 high streets in 2018 – 40% more than in 2017 – a worrying statistic for the future of the high street. Even the big retailers were not immune with Maplin, Toys R Us and Poundworld casualties…
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Apr- 2019 -30 AprilPeople Moves
Scs appoints new non-exec director
Upholstered furniture and flooring retailer Scs Group has appointed Angela Luger as its new non-executive director, with effect from 16 May 2019. Luger was previously CEO of retail businesses N Brown and The Original Factory Shop and has held senior executive positions at Debenhams, Asda and Mars. She is also…
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26 AprilDepartment Stores
Debenhams to close 22 stores with 1,200 jobs at risk
Department store chain, Debenhams has announced it is to close 22 stores putting 1,200 jobs at risk. The closures come as part of a revival plan for the department store laid out by lenders including Barclays and Bank of Ireland. Terry Duddy, Debenhams executive chairman, said: “Debenhams has a clear…
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18 AprilDepartment Stores
Debenhams CEO exits
Sergio Bucher, CEO of department store Debenhams, has stepped down from his role just a week after the company went into administration and under the control of its lenders. His departure is expected to allow new leadership to conduct the restructure and turnaround of the business. Debenhams entered a pre-pack…
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18 AprilShopping Centres
Kuwait-based investors acquire 50% stake of Intu Derby
Intu properties and Cale Street Investments LP, an investment firm backed by the Kuwait Investment Office, London, have announced the establishment of a 50/50 joint venture for the Intu Derby shopping centre. The real estate investment firm will acquire for cash the 50% interest for consideration which values their share…
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15 AprilHigh Street
Mike Ashley warned over plans for retail ‘oligopoly’
Former Marks and Spencer boss Lord Stuart Rose has warned Mike Ashley over plans for a retail ‘oligopoly’, following his attempted acquisition of embattled department store chain Debenhams. According to a report by Aol.com, Rose said he would “think twice about building an empire of high street chains”, and he…
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