Debenhams is set to close six stores, including its flagship location on Oxford Street, W1.
The retailer, which began winding down its 124 stores last month, is permanently closing its department stores in Portsmouth, Staines, Harrogate, Weymouth and Worcester.
Debenhams said that it was also unable to agree a lease extension with the landlord of its Oxford Street store, in light of the likelihood that restrictions on non-essential retail are unlikely be eased until March.
The Oxford Street closure is also expected to affect the retailer’s support centre, which is located above the store. Debenhams said that for the time being its support centre staff will continue to work remotely, while its base in Taunton will remain operational.
The closures will result in 320 job losses.
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, 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.”
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