Embattled department store chain Debenhams has announced it will reopen 50 stores across England on June 15, following the closure of its estate due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The first stores to open across the Debenhams estate, however, will be in Northern Ireland, with sites in Belfast, Newry and Rushmere Shopping Centre, Craigavon, to reopen on June 8.
Debenhams had announced that it would be reopening 90 branches as restrictions around non-essential retail begin to lift, but the retailer plans to reopen the rest of its portfolio later in the week beginning June 15.
Meanwhile, its stores in both Scotland and Wales will remain closed until government restrictions in those regions change.
Steven Cook, managing director of Debenhams, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming customers back to our stores in the coming weeks. From the installation of perspex screens at till points to the roll-out of social distancing procedures and PPE, we have been working hard to ensure our colleagues and customers can work and shop with confidence.
“Our reopening plans follow the successful conclusion of lease negotiations on 120 stores, meaning that the vast majority of our stores will be reopening.”
Since collapsing into administration in April, Debenhams has confirmed the permanent closure of 17 stores across the UK and is currently locked in discussion with landlords about the permanent closure of a further five branches.
Former chief executive Stefaan Vansteenkiste stepped down from the retailer on May 29, the day after it was revealed that Debenhams was in consultation with staff about cutting hundreds of head-office jobs.
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