Debenhams is permanently shutting 6 more UK stores with loss of 320 jobs - the locations affected

Debenhams has confirmed it is permanently closing six more of its UK stores, resulting in the loss of 320 jobs.

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The latest closures come following thousands of job cuts last year, and will now see the department chain’s flagship Oxford Street shop shut its doors for good.

Six stores to close

Along with the flagship Oxford Street store, Debenhams has also told staff at stores in Portsmouth, Staines, Harrogate, Weymouth and Worcester that they will not reopen.

The closures will see 320 jobs lost, as part of the latest set of cuts by the retailer.

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Last year, Debenhams axed 1,000 staff in May, followed by a further 2,500 in August.

The Oxford Street store will shut after Debenhams failed to agree a lease extension on the site with landlords, amid speculation that restrictions on non-essential retailers are unlikely to ease until at least March.

This closure will also affect the chain’s London support centre which sits above the shop.

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The retailer said support centre colleagues will continue to work from home, in line with government guidance, for the time being.

Some stores will reopen

The retailer started a liquidation process last month after failing to secure a last-minute rescue deal.

Debenhams’ administrator FRP Advisory said it is continuing to talk with potential suitors over the possible sale of all or parts of the business.

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The insolvency firm said it still intends to reopen as many stores as it can when restrictions for non-essential retailers are lifted to sell off stock. The chain is continuing to sell products through online platforms.

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