Debenhams closures: What’s happening to all the stores?

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The closure of Debenhams stores has left empty spaces in prime locations on British high streets – what will replace the department stores?

When Debenhams was put into liquidation late last year, a question mark was raised over the fate of some of the biggest stores in the UK.

While online retailer Boohoo purchased the brand and website with the intention to relaunch Debenhams as a digital department store, shops were not part of the deal.

With 118 stores in total across towns and cities, Debenhams was often an anchor in the locations it served. But as more spend switched online during the pandemic, the battle for such expensive spaces became less fierce among retailers than it had been in previous years

The final 28 Debenhams stores shut their doors for the final time last weekend. While the future use of many of the stores remains unknown, alternative occupiers are emerging.

 

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