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Debenhams

Debenhams plc was a British department store chain operating in the United Kingdom, Denmark and the Republic of Ireland, and is still operating as a franchise in seven Middle East countries.[4] It was founded in 1778 as a single store in London and grew to 178 locations across those countries, also owning the Danish department store chain Magasin du Nord. In its final years, its headquarters were within the premises of its flagship store in Oxford Street, London. The range of goods sold included middle-to-high-end clothing, beauty, household items, and furniture.

For other uses, see Debenham (disambiguation).

Trade name

Debenhams plc (2006–2019)

LSEDEB (2006–2019)[1]

1778 (1778) (by William Clark)
1813 (1813) (as Clark & Debenham)

15 May 2021 (15 May 2021)

Liquidation, folded into Boohoo.com

334–348 Oxford Street, London, England, UK

Mark Gifford (Chairman)
Stefaan Vansteenkiste (CEO)

  • Fashion clothing
  • shoes
  • toys
  • accessories
  • cosmetics
  • Gifts
  • Electricals
  • home and furniture

£2,277.0 million (2018)[2]

£43.4 million (2018)[2]

£(461.0) million (2018)[2]

25,000 (2019)[3]

Celine Jersey Topco Limited

www.debenhams.com; operated by Boohoo as Debenhams.com

The company suffered financial difficulties in the 21st century and entered administration twice, in April 2019 and April 2020.[5] In November 2020, Debenhams' main concession operator Arcadia also entered administration, leading to the collapse of talks with JD Sports and Frasers Group over a potential rescue.[6] As a result, Debenhams announced it would be liquidated.[7]


The Debenhams brand and website were purchased by the online retailer Boohoo for £55M in January 2021. However, Boohoo did not retain any stores, meaning the loss of up to 12,000 jobs. Boohoo relaunched the website as Debenhams.com on 12 April 2021 under their own company, Debenhams.com Online Limited, when Debenhams' stores reopened to begin closing down sales following a relaxation of some COVID-19 restrictions. After 243 years in business, the remaining Debenhams department stores closed for the final time during May 2021.[8][9]

Former stores and franchises[edit]

United Kingdom, Denmark and the Republic of Ireland[edit]

In 1956, Debenhams owned or controlled through its subsidiary, the Drapery Trust the following businesses, which it rated in different classes:

– official site

Debenhams

– corporate site

Debenhams

in the 20th Century Press Archives of the ZBW

Documents and clippings about Debenhams