Debenhams in Sheffield and Meadowhall to close with 'hundreds' of jobs to be lost

Debenhams branches in Sheffield are set to leave the city permanently after a takeover by fashion retailer Boohoo, leaving hundreds of staff with no jobs.
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The 242-year-old chain, that has stores at The Moor and Meadowhall, will reopen about four to six weeks after lockdown is lifted until they have sold all their stock.

After that, the staff, believed to be more than 100, will be made redundant. It is understood that the staff are currently on furlough.

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Earlier today (January 25), it has been reported that Boohoo has bought Debenhams brand and website for £55 million, but it will not take any of the firm's remaining 118 High Street stores or its workforce.

Debenhams on The MoorDebenhams on The Moor
Debenhams on The Moor

This means, up to 12,000 jobs at the department store chain are set to go.

A closing-down sale at 124 Debenhams stores began in December as the administrators continued to seek potential buyers of 'all or parts of the business'.

The process has now ended following Boohoo's deal.

Six of its stores however would not reopen after lockdown, including its flagship department store on London's Oxford Street.

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Debenhams is one of the largest buildings on The Moor, but due to separate ownership, was not included in Aberdeen Standard Investment’s £120m revamp of the shopping area and has been shabby for years.

The top floor closed some time ago, reflecting the company’s struggles. Signs in the window state: ‘Store Closing’ but give no date.

The administrators of Debenhams, FRP Advisory had intended to sell off all the stock and close the department stores in the first quarter of this year.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.