Final countdown: Killer blow to Harrogate's Debenhams store

There has been more sad news for Debenhams and its staff in Harrogate today.
Debenhams on Parliament Street in Harrogate - It is believed 12,000 jobs will now be lost nationwide.Debenhams on Parliament Street in Harrogate - It is believed 12,000 jobs will now be lost nationwide.
Debenhams on Parliament Street in Harrogate - It is believed 12,000 jobs will now be lost nationwide.

The news today that Debenhams’ administrators have sold the company brand to a online only fashion retailer Boohoo for £55 million represents the final nail in the coffin of one Harrogate's most iconic shops, leaving a large hole in its high street.

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It was in early December that the Harrogate Advertiser reported that Debenhams store on Parliament Street, as administrators sought offers for all or parts of the business.

A liquidation process had started at the 242-year-old Debenhams chain after administrators failed to secure a rescue deal for the business, despite approaches from JD Sports.

The sale to Boohoo brings to an end any hopes of saving the chain or the Harrogate store.

It is believed 12,000 jobs will now be lost nationwide as the famous brand turns from a brick-and-mortar store to a wholly digital future.

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The crisis in England's high street last year saw nearly 180,000 retail job losses and around 20,000 store closures.

Retail trade union Usdaw is seeking urgent meetings with Debenhams’ administrators and urges them to treat staff with fairness and dignity.

The union is also calling on the Government to launch as immediate recovery plan to save our high streets, involving substantial support on business rates and commercial rent relief.

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