Department store group Debenhams has confirmed a further three stores will not repoen after lockdown restrictions are lifted in the UK next week after it failed to agree terms with landlord Intu.
The 242-year-old retailer temporarily closed its UK and Republic of Ireland stores for trading from close of play on 23 March as part of efforts to help limit the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.
While UK fashion retailers were given the green light to reopen their stores on 15 June by the government last month, Debenhams has confirmed its stores in Milton Keynes, Watford, and Gateshead’s Metrocentre will not reopen after it failed to strike an agreement with Intu.
just-style understands the news will lead to some 300 job losses and takes the total number of Debenhams stores not reopening to 20.
A Debenhams spokesperson said: “Sadly we have been unable to agree terms with the landlord. As a result, these stores will not be re-opening in line with the rest of the chain next week. We greatly regret the effect on our colleagues, who have served our customers with commitment and dedication. Our customers can continue to shop with us online at www.debenhams.com or at other local stores from next week.”
The department store retailer’s UK operation fell into administration in April, when it also said it would likely appoint a liquidator for its Irish operations. A month later, it liquidated its sourcing operation in Bangladesh in a move that led to the loss of almost 70 jobs.
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