Debenhams has become the latest in a string of major retailers to shut its Oxford Street store after revealing its flagship location would not be reopening, even after current trading restrictions on ‘non-essential’ retailers ease.

The London location is just one of the six shops the beleaguered department store chain is shutting in its latest tranche of closures, but it was certainly the headline-grabber.

Debenhams’ Oxford Street departure – one that has looked inevitable since administrator FRP Advisory kicked off a winding up and stock liquidation process at the end of last year – leaves another gaping hole in the once vibrant retail thoroughfare.