Debenhams axes three more stores taking total that won’t reopen after lockdown to 20
DEBENHAMS has confirmed three more stores won't reopen following coronavirus lockdown.
The struggling department store chain has already announced that 17 of its 142 shops will permanently close.
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But today's announcements comes as The Sun reported that a further five Debenhams stores were at risk of closure.
At the time, Debenhams would only share the locations of the 17 locations already announced, but it's today confirmed that its stores in Metrocentre (Gateshead), Milton Keynes and Watford will shut their doors permanently.
Debenhams said the three stores are closing as it couldn't agree terms with its landlord, shopping centre giant Intu.
We've listed the 20 stores now set to close below.
Which Debenhams stores are set to close?
BELOW are the 20 Debenhams shops set to permanently close.
- Borehamwood
- Clapham
- Croydon
- Kidderminster
- Kings Lynn
- Leamington-Spa
- Leicester
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Metrocentre
- Milton Keynes
- Reading
- Rugby
- Salisbury
- South Shields
- Southampton
- Stratford
- Swindon
- Truro
- Watford
- Westfield
It's unclear what will happen to the remaining two stores thought to be at risk.
Debenhams was struggling going into the pandemic and it is understood the crisis has accelerated closure plans.
Due to the closures, the roughly 300 workers in the three stores will lose their jobs.
The retailer employs around 20,000 people across the UK.
It has previously said thousands of jobs are at risk, with hundreds of roles at Debenhams' head office set to be axed.
The news comes as the retailer plans to reopen 90 stores in England from June 15, with 30 more stores expected to reopen shortly after.
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Reopened stores will have shorter opening hours and reduced services, triggering further job losses. Cafes, for example, will stay shut.
Debenhams was put into administration for the second time in 12 months in April.
It also announced at the time that its .
A Debenhams spokesperson told The Sun: ";Sadly we have been unable to agree terms with the landlord.
"As a result these stores will not be re-opening in line with the rest of the chain next week.
"We greatly regret the effect on our colleagues, who have served our customers with commitment and dedication.
"Our customers can continue to shop with us online at debenhams.com or at other local stores from next week."
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Debenhams temporarily closed all UK stores over coronavirus concerns on March 22.
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In April 2019, Debenhams fell into the control of lenders, a group of banks and hedge funds led by US firm Silver Point Capital.
This saw 50 stores shut permanently, as well as rents reduced across dozens of other branches.