Debenhams to close six stores forever including flagship Oxford Street shop

DEBENHAMS has confirmed plans to close six stores permanently including its flagship Oxford Street shop.

Other branches that are shutting include Portsmouth, Staines, Harrogate, Weymouth and Worcester.

Debenhams has confirmed plans to shut six shops foreverCredit: PA:Press Association

In total, 320 colleagues will be affected by these store closures.

Debenhams is currently being liquidated after rescue talks to save the 242-year-old retailer failed.

It comes after JD Sports pulled out of a potential deal to rescue the high street staple.

JD Sports was the last remaining bidder for Debenhams, which has been in administration since April this year.

It means all of Debenhams’ 124 stores will now disappear from the high street, although an exact date for when each one will close has yet to be confirmed.

Debenhams has been selling off its stock before shutting stores through an 80% off closing down sale.

Geoff Rowley, joint administrator to Debenhams and Partner at FRP Advisory, said: “We continue to engage with interested parties over alternative proposals for the future of Debenhams.

“Inevitably the latest lockdown has had an effect on our plans for the wind-down of the business.

“We regret the impact on those colleagues affected by today’s announcement and would like to thank all those who continue to keep the business trading in very difficult circumstances.”