Department store chain Debenhams was founded in 1778 as a drapers’ store in London. It now sells a range of clothing, household goods and furniture from over 150 branches around the UK. The company operates retail websites in the UK and Ireland, as well as a mobile-enabled website and mobile apps that allow customers to shop the online range and scan product barcodes in store. Debenhams was considered a household name and a stalwart of retail until recent years, where, similarly to fellow department store chain House of Fraser, it fell into administration. The board was restructured in 2017 and three distinct business units – fashion and home, beauty and beauty services, and food and events – were created to drive its evolution. Alongside this, the retailer prioritised replacing legacy systems and increasing supply chain automation, but associated costs resulted in pressures during a harsh environment for department stores. In 2019, it underwent a CVA, with plans to shutter over 50 of its stores from 2020. It has also called for rent reductions on the remaining 127 stores.
Debenhams’ chief executive Stefaan Vansteenkiste has stepped down as the department store group prepares for the next phase of its turnaround.
Department store group Debenhams is cutting head office jobs as it seeks to put itself in shape for a turnaround and has secured two key trading locations that it had faced losing to Next.
Former Debenhams director Richard Cristofoli is to join home shopping group Freemans Grattan Holdings as its first chief customer officer.
Former Debenhams staff in Bangladesh have uploaded a video to YouTube pleading to be paid following the department store group’s administration.
Hours after Debenhams confirmed that it would exit its five store across Hammerson-owned shopping centres, Next unveiled details of an unikely swoop.
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