Debenhams to close final stores after 200 years of being on the high street

Debenhams have announced that after more than 200-years of trading on the UK high streets they are to close 49 stores by next weekend.

The remaining stores will close their shutters for the last time on the 12 and 15 May and 12,000 staff will be out of a job.

Debenhams started in 1778 when William Clark opened the first store in London’s West End. In 1813, William Debenham invested into the retailer who was selling parasols, bonnets and fabrics and the store was renamed Clark & Debenham.

A Debenhams spokesman said, “We are now heading into the final days of our closing down sale and this is the very last chance for our customers to take advantage of some incredible deals.

“With up to 80% off across our remaining stores, customers are urged to shop now while stocks last.

“Over the next 10 days, Debenhams will close its doors on the high street for the final time in its 242-year history.

“Our sincere thanks go out to all of our colleagues and customers who have joined us on this journey.

“We hope to see you all one last time in stores before we say a final goodbye to the UK high street.”

Here is the list of stores which will close on May 12 and 15:

Stores closing on May 12
Ballymena
Banbury
Barrow-in-Furness
Bath
Beverley
Blackburn
Bournemouth
Carlisle
Chester
Chesterfield
Doncaster
Gloucester
Guildford
Harrow
Hereford
Hull
Lichfield
Mansfield
Preston
Scarborough
Warrington

Stores closing on May 15
Basildon
Basingstoke
Belfast
Birmingham Bullring
Brighton
Bristol
Bromley
Cardiff
Chelmsford
Cheshire Oaks
Colchester
Coventry
Exeter
Hanley
Lakeside
Leeds White Rose
Liverpool
Manchester
Manchester Trafford
Meadowhall
Merry Hill
Newcastle
Newry
Plymouth
Romford
Rushmere
Sheffield
Swansea