Debenhams to close these 22 stores - including one in Scotland

Debenhams has confirmed plans for up to 22 store closures, putting 1,200 jobs at risk.
Debenhams is set to close 22 stores: Picture: Flickr/www.moneybright.co.ukDebenhams is set to close 22 stores: Picture: Flickr/www.moneybright.co.uk
Debenhams is set to close 22 stores: Picture: Flickr/www.moneybright.co.uk

The retailer says the store closures will start next year and 1,200 staff will be affected by the first phase. One store in Scotland is set to be affected.

The group has announced a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), which will see the affected shops continue trading until early 2020.

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Further closures could still be announced following discussions with landlords. Meanwhile rent reductions will be sought on many of the remaining branches.

Debenhams is set to close 22 stores: Picture: Flickr/www.moneybright.co.ukDebenhams is set to close 22 stores: Picture: Flickr/www.moneybright.co.uk
Debenhams is set to close 22 stores: Picture: Flickr/www.moneybright.co.uk


Terry Duddy, executive chairman of Debenhams, said: "The issues facing the UK high street are very well known.


"Debenhams has a clear strategy and a bright future, but in order for the business to prosper, we need to restructure the group's store portfolio and its balance sheet, which are not appropriate for today's much-changed retail environment.


"Our priority is to save as many stores and as many jobs as we can, while making the business fit for the future."


The retailer announced that it would pursue a restructuring last year, but the path for the process has now been cleared after control of the company was passed to its lenders.


Debenhams went into a pre-pack administration earlier this month, wiping out the stakes of all shareholders including Sports Direct's Mike Ashley.


Creditors including landlords will have the opportunity to vote on the CVA in a process overseen by advisers at KPMG.


Debenhams also released a financial update for the 26 weeks to March 2, showing that sales at its UK stores declined by 7.4% during the period due to weaker footfall.


Underlying earnings declined by 36.6% to £65.9 million.

Debenhams stores expected to close in 2020

-Altrincham

-Ashford

-Birmingham Fort

-Canterbury

-Chatham

-Eastbourne

-Folkestone

-Great Yarmouth

-Guildford

-Kirkcaldy

-Orpington

-Slough

-Southport

-Southsea

-Staines

-Stockton

-Walton

-Wandsworth

-Welwyn Garden City

-Wimbledon

-Witney

-Wolverhampton

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