Debenhams asks suppliers for 2% off

Debenhams has written to suppliers demanding a discount on orders from next week.

The department store group says it expects all suppliers to provide a 2 per cent discount that will be deducted on payment of invoices.

A spokeswoman said: 'We are trying to develop our relationship with suppliers. Debenhams has increased its sales by 25 per cent over the past five years and we feel that both ourselves and our suppliers have benefited from that.'

She added that Debenhams has a programme of investment - around£150 million a year - and a store development programme that will continue to cement the relationship.