Examine individual changes

'{{short description|British online retail brand}} {{other uses|Debenham (disambiguation)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}} {{Infobox company | name = Debenhams.com | logo = Debenhams logo18.png | logo_size = 250px | image = Debenhams from Marylebone Lane 05.jpg | image_caption = Debenhams' former flagship store on [[Oxford Street]], [[London]] | type = [[Private limited company]] | traded_as = {{LSE|DEB}} (2006–2019)<ref>[https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/other/14035625.html London Stock Exchange cancel Debenhams stock]</ref> | trading_name = Debenhams plc (2006–2019) | foundation = 1778 (by William Clark)<br />1813 (as Clark & Debenham) | defunct = <!--Please don't add in the date of defunction until the company is defunct. Thank you.--> | founder = [[William Debenham]] | fate = [[Liquidation]] | successor = {{url|www.debenhams.com}} | location = 334–348 [[Oxford Street]], [[London]], England, UK | key_people = Mark Gifford ([[Chairman]])<br>Stefaan Vansteenkiste ([[CEO]]) | industry = [[Fashion]] [[retail]] | area_served = {{hlist|[[United Kingdom|UK]]|[[Denmark]]|[[#International franchises|more]]}} | brands = | products = {{flat list| * Fashion clothing * shoes * Toys * accessories * cosmetics * Gifts * Electricals * home and furniture }} | revenue = [[Pound sterling|£]]2,277.0 million (2018)<ref name=prelims>{{cite web |url=https://ir.debenhams.com/static-files/8f1ff5d2-d1cf-4f04-9afe-3549c844716f|title=Preliminary Results 2018|publisher=Debenhams plc |access-date=26 October 2018}}</ref> | operating_income = [[Pound sterling|£]]43.4 million (2018)<ref name=prelims/> | net_income = [[Pound sterling|£]](461.0) million (2018)<ref name=prelims/> | owner = [[Boohoo.com|Boohoo]] (online store) | parent = Celine Jersey Topco Limited | num_employees = 25,000 (2019)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47453271 |title=Debenhams in profit alert as sales continue to slide |date=5 March 2019 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=16 April 2020}}</ref> | subsid = [[Magasin du Nord]] | homepage = {{url|www.debenhams.com}} }} '''Debenhams.com''', or simply just '''Debenhams''', is a British online retail brand owned by the online retailer [[Boohoo.com|Boohoo]]. Previously it had been an independent company operating a series of department stores in the UK, Denmark and the Republic of Ireland. The original company 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|Oxford Street, London]]. The range of goods sold included clothing, household items, and furniture. The company suffered financial difficulties in the 21st century and entered [[Administration (law)|administration]] twice, in April 2019 and April 2020.<ref name="Sky20200309">{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-debenhams-confirms-it-is-in-administration-11971244|title=Coronavirus: Debenhams in administration for second time in year|date=9 April 2020|work=Sky News|access-date=1 December 2020}}</ref> In November 2020, Debenhams' main concession operator [[Arcadia Group|Arcadia]] also entered administration, leading to the collapse of talks with [[JD Sports]] over a potential rescue.<ref name=BBCJD>{{Cite news|date=1 December 2020|title=Debenhams faces uncertain future as JD Sports quits rescue talks|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55139713|access-date=1 December 2020}}</ref> As a result, Debenhams announced it would be [[liquidation|liquidated]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=1 December 2020|title=Debenhams set to close putting 12,000 jobs at risk|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55142724|access-date=1 December 2020}}</ref> The Debenhams brand and website was purchased by the online retailer [[Boohoo.com|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 on 12 April 2021 under their own company, Debenhams Online Limited, when Debenhams' stores reopened to begin closing down sales following a relaxation of some [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19]] restrictions. After 243 years in business, the remaining Debenhams stores closed for the final time during May 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-56993816|title=End of an era for Debenhams as final shops set to close|publisher=BBC|date=12 May 2021}}</ref> ==History== ===18th and 19th centuries=== [[File:Debenham and Freebody Wigmore Street 10.jpg|thumb|left|The former Debenham, Son & Freebody building in Wigmore Street which was completed in 1908]] The business was formed in 1778 by William Clark, who began trading at 44 Wigmore Street in London as a [[Drapery|drapers]]' store.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Debenhams |url=http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/contentView?filepath=/DebenhamsUKSite/enwiki/static/history_debenhams_uk.xml&storeId=10701&langId=-1 |publisher=Debenhams |access-date=14 September 2013}}</ref> In 1813, [[William Debenham]] became a partner and the corporate name changed to ''Clark & Debenham''. The shop was later renamed Cavendish House and carried drapery, silks, haberdashery, millinery, hosiery, lace, and family mourning goods. As the trade grew, the partners determined to expand the business by opening branches in Cheltenham and Harrogate.<ref name="housefraserarchive.ac.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.housefraserarchive.ac.uk/company/?id=c1536|title=Cavendish House Co Ltd|publisher=House of Fraser Archive|access-date=3 April 2016}}</ref> By 1823, Clark & Debenham had opened a small drapery business at 3 Promenade Rooms, Cheltenham, selling a selection of silks, muslins, shawls, gloves, lace and fancy goods.<ref name="housefraserarchive.ac.uk"/> In 1837, Clark retired from the business and Debenham assumed two of his most trusted staff, William Pooley and John Smith, as partners, trading in both London and Cheltenham as Debenham, Pooley & Smith.<ref name="housefraserarchive.ac.uk"/> By 1840, the management of the Cheltenham branch appears to have been given to Clement Freebody, Debenham's brother-in-law. Around 1843, another branch shop was launched in Harrogate.<ref name="housefraserarchive.ac.uk"/> Extended and refurbished premises opened in Cheltenham in October 1844. Pooley and Smith retired from the business in 1851 when Debenham took his son, William, and Clement Freebody into partnership, trading as Debenham, Son & Freebody. At this time all three shops in London, Cheltenham, and Harrogate were trading in similar goods and issued a joint catalogue, called the Fashion Book, that was the basis of an extensive mail-order trade. In 1876 when Freebody retired, a new partnership, Debenham & Hewitt, was formed. George Hewitt appears to have worked at the Cheltenham store as a draper's assistant during the early 1860s but details of his subsequent career are not known. By 1883, George Hewitt was the sole owner of the Cheltenham business, Frank and William Debenham having withdrawn to manage the London store as a separate concern.<ref name="housefraserarchive.ac.uk"/> ===20th century=== [[File:Crypt Chambers 1.jpg|thumb|[[Crypt Chambers]] in Chester houses part of the Browns of Chester store and is a Grade&nbsp;I [[listed building]].]] The business was incorporated as ''Debenhams Limited'' in 1905.<ref>{{cite web|title=Business History of Department Stores: Interesting Dates |url=http://www.kipnotes.com/RetailDepartmentStores.htm |publisher=KIPnotes |date=1 October 2008 |access-date=22 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091226213520/http://www.kipnotes.com/RetailDepartmentStores.htm |archive-date=26 December 2009 }}</ref> A new headquarters building, which was designed by William Wallace and [[James Glen Sivewright Gibson]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/survey-of-london/tag/debenham-and-freebody/|title=South-East Marylebone Old and New|publisher=Survey of London|access-date=27 July 2019}}</ref> and built by [[Trollope & Colls]], was completed in Wigmore Street in 1908.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=074-btrl&cid=0#0 |title=Trollope & Colls|publisher= National Archives|access-date=27 July 2019}}</ref> The modern Debenhams group grew from the acquisition of department stores in towns and cities throughout the UK, under the leadership of its chairman, [[Ernest Debenham]]. The first of these purchases, ''Marshall & Snelgrove'' at [[Oxford Street]] in London, was acquired through a one sided merger in 1919. Later purchases included [[Harvey Nichols]] in London's [[Knightsbridge]] in 1920.<ref name="history">{{cite web| url=http://www.debenhamsplc.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=196805&p=history| title=History| publisher=Debenhams| access-date=22 February 2012}}</ref> Most of the acquired stores retained their former identities until a unified [[corporate image]] was rolled out. The company was first listed on the [[London Stock Exchange]] in 1928, shortly after it had purchased fellow retail group [[Drapery Trust]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.spectator.co.uk/article/28th-july-1928/32/drapery-profits|title=Drapery profits|publisher=The Spectator|date=27 July 1928|access-date=30 October 2014}}</ref> In 1976 the company acquired [[Browns of Chester]]. It remains the only one of the company's UK stores to have retained an individual identity.<ref name="history"/> The business diversified during the 1970s buying South East based supermarket group [[Cater Brothers]] in 1972, after the death of its chairman Leslie Cater. Using the new purchasing power Debenhams modernised its 40 food halls within its stores, branding them Cater's Food Halls, and opened two new Cater superstores. However the business declined in the intense marketplace and in 1979 the chain was sold to [[Allied Suppliers]] who converted the Cater stores into their [[Presto (UK Supermarket)|Presto]] format.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ferdinando.org.uk/cater_brothers.htm|title=Cater Brothers|access-date=17 April 2015}}</ref> Debenhams was targeted three times during the 1980s by the [[Animal Liberation Front]] in protest at the sale of [[Fur clothing|animal furs]] in stores. Stores in [[Romford]], [[Luton]], and [[Harrow, London|Harrow]] were fire-bombed by members, the worst attack being on the Luton store. As a result, the company stopped selling clothes with animal furs.<ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{cite news |title=Undercover policeman 'fire-bombed shop,' MPs told |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18423441 |newspaper=BBC News |date=13 June 2012 |access-date=10 March 2014}}</ref> It was alleged by Caroline Lucas MP in a debate in [[Westminster Hall]] that [[Bob Lambert (academic)|Bob Lambert]], a then undercover police officer, planted the fire bomb that caused £340,000 worth of damage to the Harrow branch of Debenhams in 1987. It is unclear if anything has come of these allegations as of March 2014.<ref name="bbc.co.uk"/><ref>{{cite news |title=MP Caroline Lucas names undercover officer as shop fire bomber |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18426368 |newspaper=BBC News |date=13 June 2012 |access-date=10 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Undercover cop alleged to have fire-bombed Debenhams for ALF |url=http://www.constabulary.org.uk/2012/06/13/undercover-cop-alleged-to-have-fire-bombed-debenhams-for-alf/ |newspaper=Constabulary |date=13 June 2012 |access-date=10 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310124808/http://www.constabulary.org.uk/2012/06/13/undercover-cop-alleged-to-have-fire-bombed-debenhams-for-alf/ |archive-date=10 March 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Caroline Lucas Exposes Allegations Ex-Undercover Cop Bob Lambert Firebombed Debenhams London Store |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/06/13/caroline-lucas-undercover-policeman-bob-lambert-firebombing_n_1592661.html?view=print |newspaper=The Huffington Post |date=13 June 2012 |access-date=10 March 2014}}</ref> In 1985 the company was acquired by the [[Burton Group]].<ref name="history"/> Following the closure of the store in [[Dudley]] in January 1981 and the Birmingham store in 1983, the company's only store in the [[West Midlands (county)|West Midlands]] for the next six years was a town centre store in [[Walsall]]. On 4 November 1989, it opened a store at the [[Merry Hill Shopping Centre]] in [[Brierley Hill]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/news/408984/UK-REGIONAL-FOCUS---ROBIN-HOODS-MERRY-HILL|title=The Robin Hoods of Merry Hill|publisher=Management Today|date=1 November 1991|access-date=7 October 2014}}</ref> Debenhams demerged from the Burton Group in January 1998 and was once again listed as a separate company on the London Stock Exchange.<ref>{{cite news |title=New look for Debenhams |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/84099.stm |newspaper=BBC News |date=27 April 1998 |access-date=12 August 2013}}</ref> It expanded under the leadership of [[Belinda Earl]] who was appointed [[CEO]] in 2000.<ref name="guardian">{{cite news| title=The Queen of Retail makes a dull brand shine| url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2006/dec/15/retail| author=Jane Martinson| work=The Guardian| date=14 December 2006| access-date=22 February 2012}}</ref> ===21st century=== [[File:Debenhams store, arc shopping development - geograph.org.uk - 1554861.jpg|thumb|Debenhams in [[Bury St Edmunds]]]] Debenhams opened its largest British store on 4 September 2003, at the new [[Bull Ring, Birmingham|Bull Ring]] shopping centre in [[Birmingham]].<ref name="bbc">{{cite news| title=Bullring opens its doors| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/3079634.stm| publisher=BBC News Online| date=4 September 2003| access-date=22 February 2012}}</ref> The new store contained 19,230 sq&nbsp;m and opened 20&nbsp;years after the company closed its Birmingham city centre store due to declining trade.<ref name="bullring">{{cite web|title=Bullring Information Pack |publisher=Bullring Alliance |year=2003 |access-date=22 February 2012 |url=http://www.bullring.co.uk/Comgenic.Manager.Images/Educationpack.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319220720/http://www.bullring.co.uk/Comgenic.Manager.Images/Educationpack.pdf |archive-date=19 March 2012 }}</ref> A private consortium named Baroness Retail Limited acquired the company in November 2003,<ref>{{cite news |title=Debenhams backs Baroness takeover |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3258013.stm |newspaper=BBC News |date=10 November 2003 |access-date=12 August 2013}}</ref> and it returned to a listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2006. The consortium comprised [[CVC Capital Partners]], [[Texas Pacific Group]], [[Merrill Lynch|Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity]], and management.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4972442.stm |title=Debenhams shares rise on listing |work=BBC News |date=4 May 2006 |access-date=12 August 2013}}</ref> [[File:Oxford Street - Debenhams.jpg|thumb|left|Debenhams' flagship store in Oxford Street, London, England, during Christmas]] The company purchased the brand name and stock of [[Principles (retailer)|Principles]] in March 2009 after the business entered administration. Principles operated concessions within 121 Debenhams stores, and was subsequently relaunched by [[Ben de Lisi]] as part of the Designers at Debenhams range.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fashion chain Principles to close 66 stores and axe majority of staff |author=Alastair Jamieson |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/recession/4953599/Fashion-chain-Principles-to-close-66-stores-and-axe-majority-of-staff.html |newspaper=Daily Telegraph |date=7 March 2009 |access-date=5 October 2012}}</ref> In November 2009, Debenhams acquired the Danish department store group Magasin Du Nord for £12.3 million.<ref>{{cite news| title=Debenhams steps into mainland Europe |author=Ester Bintliff |work=[[Financial Times]] |date=12 November 2009 |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/89b81a02-cfab-11de-a36d-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2bnQ9jII5 |access-date=12 August 2013}}</ref> The company operates six stores in Denmark under the Magasin brand.<ref name=About>{{cite web |url=http://presscentre.debenhams.com/About-Us/About-Debenhams-7a.aspx |title=About Debenhams |year=2013 |publisher=Debenhams |access-date=15 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119095158/http://presscentre.debenhams.com/About-Us/About-Debenhams-7a.aspx |archive-date=19 January 2013 }}</ref> In July 2010 Debenhams purchased the 115 [[Faith (shoe retailer)|Faith]] concessions trading within its stores, after Faith entered administration.<ref>{{cite news |title=Debenhams has faith in shoe chain |author=Rosie Baker |url=http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/debenhams-has-faith-in-shoe-chain/3015382.article |newspaper=Marketing Week |date=2 July 2010 |access-date=5 October 2012}}</ref> In April 2012 the company announced it would be building 14 new stores, and was in negotiations over a further 25 sites in the UK.<ref>{{cite news |title=Debenhams profit edges higher in 'difficult' trading |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17766493 |newspaper=BBC News Online |date=19 April 2012 |access-date=7 October 2012}}</ref> Debenhams agreed to become the anchor store at the [[New Riverside, Shrewsbury|Riverside shopping centre]] in Shrewsbury.<ref>{{cite news |title=Debenhams to be Shrewsbury shopping centre 'anchor tenant' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-17771893 |newspaper=BBC News Online |date=19 April 2012 |access-date=7 October 2012}}</ref> By September 2012, the company announced that like-for-like sales had risen by 3.3% in the six months up to that date.<ref>{{cite news |title=Debenhams sales rise as profits 'set to grow' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19632791 |newspaper=BBC News Online |date=18 September 2012 |access-date=7 October 2012}}</ref> [[File:Debenhams - viewed from Leeds Road (geograph 4882310).jpg|thumb|right|Debenhams, [[Bradford]].]] Debenhams moved to a new headquarters in 2013, in Brock Street, London. The company moved to a new building, built by [[British Land]] in [[Regent's Place]]. The company leased {{convert|174500|sqft|m2|lk=in|sigfig=2}} of office space from British Land for 25 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britishland.com/media/news/2012/01-05-2012.aspx |title=Debenhams to Take Additional Space at British Land's Regent's Place |date=1 May 2012 |publisher=British Land |access-date=27 July 2013}}</ref> The company began a refurbishment of its flagship store in Oxford Street in 2013, which involved the installation of 180,000 aluminium tiles on the exterior of the building that appears to ripple with the wind. An existing floor was also converted to become a trading floor. The total cost of the refurbishment was in the region of £40 million, of which Debenhams contributed £25 million. The owner of the building, British Land, also contributed towards the cost.<ref>{{cite news |title=Debenhams to dazzle Oxford Street with 180,000 shiny tiles |author=Jonathan Prynn |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/debenhams-to-dazzle-oxford-street-with-180000-shiny-tiles-8653442.html |newspaper=Evening Standard |date=11 June 2013 |access-date=27 July 2013}}</ref> The refurbishment was due to be completed by February 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britishland.com/media/news/2013/11-06-2013.aspx |title=British Land Unveils Revolutionary Facelift for Debenhams Oxford Street Flagship |date=11 June 2013 |publisher=British Land |access-date=27 July 2013}}</ref> The company's trading statement for the 17 weeks up to 28 December 2013 was released on 31 December 2013, and revealed a reduction in pre-tax profit from £115 million to £85 million.<ref>{{cite news |date=31 December 2013 |title=Debenhams warns on Christmas sales |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25559780 |newspaper=BBC News |access-date=2 January 2014}}</ref> On 2 January 2014, the company's chief financial officer Simon Herrick resigned, following criticism of his financial decisions.<ref>{{cite news |last=Titcomb |first=James |date=2 January 2014 |title=Debenhams finance boss quits days after major profit warning |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10546564/Debenhams-finance-boss-quits-days-after-major-profit-warning.html |newspaper=The Telegraph |access-date=2 January 2014}}</ref> On 13 January 2014 4.6% of Debenhams shares were bought by [[Sports Direct]], the retailer run by [[Mike Ashley (businessman)|Mike Ashley]]. The stock market purchase of 56.8 million shares (worth around £46m) was made without the prior knowledge of the Debenhams board. Sports Direct stated at the time it intends to be a supportive share holder. The Debenhams board responded by stating they are open-minded with regard to exploring operational opportunities to improve its performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25709718|title= Sports Direct buys 4.6% Debenhams stake|publisher= BBC |date=13 January 2014|access-date=13 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1194228/sports-direct-nets-5-percent-stake-in-debenhams|title=Sports Direct nets 5% stake in Debenhams|publisher=Sky News |date=13 January 2014|access-date=13 January 2014}}</ref> Sports Direct sold its shares on 16 January 2014, although they took out an option to buy further shares up to a total of 6.6%.<ref>{{cite news |date=16 January 2014 |title=Sports Direct takes option on Debenhams stake |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25755832 |newspaper=BBC News |access-date=16 January 2014}}</ref> In August 2017, it emerged that Ashley had secured 21% of the shares which gave him over 10% of voting rights in the company.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/08/22/mike-ashley-increases-debenhams-stake-20pc/ "Mike Ashley increases Debenhams stake to more than 20pc"], ''The Telegraph'', 22 August 2017, accessed 19 November 2017.</ref> [[File:Swindon debenhams.jpg|thumb|Debenhams, [[Swindon]]]] During 2017 Debenhams opened two new stores, one in [[Stevenage]] and one in [[Wolverhampton]]. The 80,000 sq ft Stevenage store was opened on 24 August 2017 at Roaring Meg Retail and Leisure Park by Celebrity fashion designer Julien MacDonald and local hero Jean Robinson, who had won a competition for the privilege. The store was the first to be designed under the vision of CEO [[Sergio Bucher]], with a new layout and format with the emphasis on encouraging people to stay longer.<ref>{{cite web|author=JP Asher |url=http://www.thecomet.net/news/stevenage-debenhams-opens-as-glamour-king-julien-macdonald-and-community-hero-jean-robinson-cut-the-ribbon-1-5162975 |title=Stevenage Debenhams opens as glamour king Julien Macdonald and community hero Jean Robinson cut the ribbon &#124; Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Biggleswade News |publisher=The Comet |date=24 August 2017 |access-date=23 May 2018}}</ref> The second store to open during 2017 was the new 93,000 sq ft store at [[Wolverhampton]]'s [[Mander Centre]]. The store was opened on 12 October 2017 as part of the centre's £35 million refurbishments, it was also Debenhams' first store in Wolverhampton. It was only the second to feature the new layout previously only seen in the Stevenage store, and only the second to feature the company's new deli-restaurant format Loaf & Bloom, only previously seen at Milton Keynes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/wolverhampton/2017/10/12/live-debenhams-opens-in-wolverhampton/ |date=13 October 2017|title= Debenhams Wolverhampton: Thousands flock to opening of new city store|publisher=Express and Star|access-date=24 May 2018}}</ref> In February 2018, the company announced a reduction of up to 320 store management roles across the business by the end of March.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chapman|first1=Ben|title=Debenhams to slash up to 320 store management jobs in cost-cutting drive|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/debenhams-job-losses-store-management-jobs-cut-costs-profits-sales-a8200151.html|access-date=2 March 2018|work=The Independent|date=8 February 2018}}</ref> Sports Direct increased its holding in the company to 29.7% on 2 March, just below the level whereby it would be required to submit a formal takeover approach.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Megaw|first1=Nicholas|title=Sports Direct lifts Debenhams stake to almost 30%|url=https://www.ft.com/content/2888bd78-1e1b-11e8-aaca-4574d7dabfb6|access-date=2 March 2018|work=Financial Times|date=2 March 2018}}</ref> ====Financial difficulties==== After media speculation about Debenhams' survival,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/video/debenhams-faces-500m-loss-11534721 |title=The 'perfect storm' facing Debenhams |publisher=Sky News |date=25 October 2018 |access-date=26 October 2018}}</ref> in 2018 the company announced the largest loss in its history, a pre-tax loss of £491 million,<ref name=prelims/> and the closure of up to 50 stores with the potential loss of 4,000 jobs.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/video-news/debenhams-to-shut-up-to-50-stores-as-4000-staff-face-redundancy-37457040.html|title=Debenhams to shut up to 50 stores as 4,000 staff face redundancy|newspaper=Belfasttelegraph|publisher=Belfast Telegraph|date=25 October 2018|access-date=26 October 2018}}</ref> On 9 April 2019, the company announced that they had gone into [[Pre-packaged insolvency|pre-pack]] [[Administration (law)|administration]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/apr/09/debenhams-is-taken-over-by-lenders-mike-ashley-loses-sta|title=Debenhams is taken over by lenders as Mike Ashley loses £150m stake|last=Butler|first=Sarah|date=9 April 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=9 April 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> On 26 April 2019, the company announced that in addition to rent reductions on all except 39 stores, 22 stores would close after Christmas 2019. This included the recently opened Wolverhampton store plus [[Altrincham]], Ashford, Birmingham Fort, [[Canterbury]], Chatham, [[Eastbourne]], [[Folkestone]], Great Yarmouth, [[Guildford]], [[Kirkcaldy]], [[Orpington]], [[Slough]], Southport, Southsea, Staines, [[Stockton-on-Tees]], [[Walton-on-Thames]], [[Wandsworth]], [[Welwyn Garden City]], Wimbledon and Witney.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-48063604|title=Debenhams names 22 stores to close|date=26 April 2019|publisher=BBC|access-date=27 April 2019}}</ref> On 6 April 2020, Debenhams confirmed it had filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rodger |first1=James |title=Debenhams on brink of collapse with 22,000 jobs at risk |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/debenhams-brink-collapse-22000-jobs-18048979?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=BL_Twitter_Traffic |website=birminghammail |date=6 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Butler |first1=Sarah |title=Debenhams prepares to file for bankruptcy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/03/debenhams-prepares-to-file-for-bankruptcy-coronavirus |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=6 April 2020 |date=3 April 2020}}</ref> CEO Stefaan Vansteenkiste said it was due to "unprecedented" circumstances caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19]] lockdown and was to "protect [the] business, ... employees, and other important stakeholders".<ref>{{cite web |title=Coronavirus: Debenhams to file for administration |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52182199 |website=[[BBC]] |access-date=6 April 2020 |date=6 April 2020}}</ref> On 9 April 2020, the company went into administration.<ref name="Sky20200309" /> On 9 April 2020, Debenhams confirmed it planned to close 11 stores in the Republic of Ireland with immediate effect.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2020/0409/1129586-debenhams-pulling-out-of-ireland/ |title=Debenhams to put Irish operations into liquidation |date=9 April 2020 |publisher=Rte.ie |access-date=9 April 2020|last1=Goodbody |first1=Will }}</ref> In April 2020, Debenhams closed seven UK stores and was set to close five more when Coronavirus restrictions were lifted.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Debenhams stores closing: full list of store closures with five branches shuttin|url=https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/shopping/debehams-stores-closing-list-store-closures-branches-uk-coronavirus-lockdown-end-2846168|website=inews.co.uk|language=en|access-date=11 May 2020}}</ref> This included the Croydon store that anchored the [[Centrale (Croydon)|Centrale]] shopping mall (previously the Drummond Centre) that Debenhams had acquired when they took over the Kennards chain of stores, bringing to a close a trading period of more than 150 years from that site.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/croydon-debenhams-replaced-next-beauty-18214110|title=Croydon Debenham's to be replaced by Next Beauty Hall store|publisher=My London|date=7 May 2020|access-date=4 July 2020}}</ref> In July 2020, Debenhams was set to abandon its property in [[Princes Street]] in Edinburgh, which it leased from [[Legal & General]], in order to make room for a £50m hotel.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 July 2020|title=£50m hotel to replace Debenhams in Princes St|url=https://dailybusinessgroup.co.uk/2020/07/50m-hotel-to-replace-debenhams-in-princes-st/|access-date=20 July 2020|website=dailybusinessgroup}}</ref> In the same month, Debenhams put itself up for sale to prevent it going into liquidation, hoping to find a buyer by September.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jul/26/debenhams-up-for-sale-in-last-ditch-bid-to-avoid-liquidation|title=Debenhams up for sale in last-ditch bid to avoid liquidation|work=The Guardian|date=26 July 2020|access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref> In August 2020, the company announced it was cutting 2,500 job positions as a result of the economic effects of the pandemic. The job cuts affected store management positions; sales managers, visual merchandise managers, and selling support managers were set to be axed. According to the company, "The trading environment is clearly a long way from returning to normal. Such difficult decisions are being taken by many retailers right now, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to give Debenhams every chance of a viable future."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/aef36183-096a-4cc6-922f-d5add8776026|title= Debenhams to cut another 2,500 jobs |work=Financial Times|last=Eley|first=Jonathan|date=11 August 2020|access-date=11 August 2020}}</ref> In September 2020, Debenhams put its seven store Danish chain, Magasin du Nord, up for sale.<ref name="RG-12Sep2020">{{cite news |last1=Jahshan |first1=Elias |title=Debenhams puts its Magasin du Nord business up for sale |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2020/09/debenhams-puts-its-magasin-du-nord-business-up-for-sale/ |access-date=1 December 2020 |work=Retail Gazette |date=12 September 2020}}</ref> On 1 December 2020, after the collapse of talks with [[Arcadia Group|Arcadia]] (which went into administration the previous day)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55139369|title=Topshop owner Arcadia goes into administration|publisher=BBC|date=30 November 2020|access-date=1 December 2020}}</ref> and [[JD Sports]] over a potential rescue,<ref name=BBCJD/> Debenhams announced it was going into [[liquidation]], putting 12,000 jobs in 124 UK stores at risk unless the administrators could find buyers for all or parts of the business.<ref name=":0" /> With the company in administration and on the verge of liquidation, on 6 December 2020, [[Mike Ashley (businessman)|Mike Ashley]]'s [[Frasers Group]] was reported to be in talks to acquire Debenhams,<ref name="Fildes-06Dec2020">{{cite news |last1=Fildes |first1=Nic |title=Mike Ashley makes eleventh-hour play for Debenhams |url=https://www.ft.com/content/53ee5f14-a4e6-42d4-8d8f-3d37b8f5a290 |access-date=9 December 2020 |work=Financial Times |date=6 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Nazir |first1=Sahar |title=How can Mike Ashley's Frasers Group revive Debenhams? - Retail Gazette |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2020/12/how-can-mike-ashley-frasers-group-revive-debenhams/ |website=Retail Gazette |access-date=9 December 2020 |date=8 December 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Kollewe|first=Julia|date=7 December 2020|title=Mike Ashley's Frasers Group in talks to buy collapsed Debenhams|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/dec/07/mike-ashley-frasers-group-buy-debenhams-ted-baker|access-date=9 December 2020}}</ref> though it was later reported that Ashley was mainly interested in using empty Debenhams stores to expand his other chains, including House of Fraser, Sports Direct and Flannels; taking 'vacant possession' would avoid redundancy costs for existing staff.<ref name="Ava-21Dec2020">{{cite news |last1=Szajna-Hopgood |first1=Ava |title=Debenhams gift cards expire as Mike Ashley considers empty stores |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2020/12/debenhams-gift-cards-expire-as-mike-ashley-considers-empty-stores/ |access-date=21 December 2020 |work=Retail Gazette |date=21 December 2020}}</ref> On 13 January 2021, Debenhams announced it would permanently shut six stores in [[England]] due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19]] lockdown. They included the flagship [[Oxford Street]] store in [[London]], plus those in [[Worcester, England|Worcester]], [[Weymouth, Dorset|Weymouth]], [[Staines]], [[Harrogate]] and [[Portsmouth]]; the move involved 320 job losses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jan/13/debenhams-shut-six-stores-including-oxford-street-flagship-london|title=Debenhams to shut six stores including Oxford Street flagship|access-date=13 January 2021|website=The Guardian|date=13 January 2021}}</ref> On 25 January 2021, it was announced that [[Boohoo.com|Boohoo]] had bought the Debenhams brand and website for £55m, but did not retain any of the remaining 118 stores, meaning the loss of up to 12,000 jobs.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-01-25|title=Boohoo buys Debenhams brand and website for £55m|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-55793411|access-date=2021-01-25}}</ref> On 5 May 2021, the liquidator announced that all remaining UK stores would close on 15 May 2021, marking the end of Debenhams in retail after 243 years. <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/britains-debenhams-close-last-stores-by-may-15-2021-05-05/|title=After 242 years it's goodbye, last Debenhams to close on May 15|date=5 May 2021|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=5 May 2021}}</ref> ====Products and services==== [[File:Benefit, Debenhams, Sutton, Surrey, London.JPG|thumb|Benefit stand in the [[Sutton, London]] branch]] In 1993 the company introduced the 'Designers at Debenhams' brand, the creation of then CEO [[Belinda Earl]], [[Ben de Lisi]] and [[Spencer Hawken]].<ref name="designers">{{cite web|title=Designers at Debenhams |url=http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_10001_10001_125651_-1 |publisher=Debenhams |access-date=22 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301123130/http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_10001_10001_125651_-1 |archive-date=1 March 2012 }}</ref> The idea introduced designer names and brands such as [[Jasper Conran]], [[John Rocha]], Butterfly by [[Matthew Williamson]], H! by [[Henry Holland (fashion designer)|Henry Holland]], Star by [[Julien Macdonald]], Frost French, Janet Reger, [[Ted Baker]], St&nbsp;George by Duffer, [[Jeff Banks]], and Ben de Lisi. The company also started selling goods under a number of brand names that it owned. In 2010, Debenhams announced the launch of four new designer names to its fashion range; [[Jonathan Saunders]], Preen, Jonathan Kelsey, and Roksanda Ilincic.<ref name="four">{{cite web|title=Four new designers join Debenhams for 'Edition' |url=http://blog.debenhams.com/four-new-designers-join-debenhams-for-edition/womens-fashion/ |publisher=Debenhams blog |date=21 October 2010 |access-date=22 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724055431/http://blog.debenhams.com/four-new-designers-join-debenhams-for-edition/womens-fashion/ |archive-date=24 July 2011 }}</ref> [[File:Oasis, Debenhams, Sutton, Surrey, London.JPG|thumb|Oasis concession in the [[Sutton, London]] branch]] Stores also contained [[Concession (contract)|concessions]] whereby other retailers may trade. Brands in stores include [[Oasis Stores|Oasis]], Coast, [[Phase Eight]] and Warehouse. In June 2014, the company announced a trial of Sports Direct concessions in its Harrow and Southsea stores, which if successful would be expanded to other stores. This followed the purchase of a stake in Debenhams by Mike Ashley, the owner of Sports Direct, in January 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ruddick|first=Graham|title=Debenhams to open Sports Direct concessions |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10914636/Debenhams-to-open-Sports-Direct-concessions.html |work=Daily Telegraph |access-date=7 September 2014 |date=20 June 2014}}</ref> Later that year, Debenhams also launched trials of [[Costa Coffee]] and [[Mothercare]] concessions within stores.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chapman|first1=Matthew|title=Debenhams to open Costa coffee shops as it taps brands for hospitality push|url=http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/article/1299666/debenhams-open-costa-coffee-shops-taps-brands-hospitality-push|access-date=22 February 2015|work=Marketing Magazine|date=20 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Wood|first1=Zoe|title=Debenhams gives Mothercare floor space to make stores more appealing|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/oct/06/debenhams-mothercare-concessions-stores-appealing|access-date=22 February 2015|work=The Guardian|date=6 October 2014}}</ref> In October 2016, the company announced it would begin to focus less on clothing and more on food, beauty products and gifts.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ough|first1=Tom|title=Debenhams profits slip as it looks to shift away from reliance on clothing|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/10/27/debenhams-profits-slip-as-it-looks-to-pivot-away-from-clothing/|access-date=29 October 2016|work=The Telegraph|date=27 October 2016}}</ref> It also hired the former lighting buying team of collapsed rival [[British Home Stores|BHS]] to begin introducing new lighting departments in stores.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Butler|first1=Sarah|title=Debenhams targets BHS customers with new lighting departments|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/oct/27/debenhams-targets-bhs-customers-with-new-lighting-departments|access-date=29 October 2016|work=The Guardian|date=27 October 2016}}</ref> Debenhams followed this in December 2016 with a plan to discontinue its Betty Jackson Black ladies fashion brand, and significantly reduce its Jeff Banks menswear range in favour of expanding the Hammond & Co. brand.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Armitage|first1=Jim|title=Debenhams shakes-up long-standing fashion designer partnerships|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/debenhams-shakesup-longstanding-fashion-designer-partnerships-a3423831.html|access-date=31 December 2016|work=Evening Standard|date=19 December 2016}}</ref> The company operated retail websites in the UK and Ireland, as well as a mobile-enabled website and [[mobile app]]s that allowed customers to shop the online range and scan product [[barcode]]s in store.<ref name="mobile">{{cite press release|title=Shopping goes truly mobile |url=http://presscentre.debenhams.com/Press-Releases/Shopping-goes-truly-mobile-150.aspx |date=16 September 2011 |publisher=Debenhams |access-date=22 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130191638/http://presscentre.debenhams.com/Press-Releases/Shopping-goes-truly-mobile-150.aspx |archive-date=30 November 2011 }}</ref> Debenhams provided store card and [[credit card]] services, operated by [[NewDay (company)|NewDay]]. Insurance products were also provided under the Debenhams brand by other financial companies. Debenhams also operated [[bureaux de change]] in selected stores. The company ran a [[Loyalty program|loyalty card programme]], branded the Debenhams Beauty Club, where customers could collect points with the purchase of health and beauty products.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.debenhams.com/content/beauty-club|title=Beauty Club|publisher=Debenhams|access-date=17 April 2017}}</ref> ==Online future under Boohoo and planned beauty store== On 12 April 2021, Boohoo relaunched the Debenhams website with a new full range of products and brands, most of brands being owned by Boohoo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.debenhams.com/page/12th-april-faq|title=12 April 2021: Frequently Asked Questions|publisher=Debenhams|access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref> On 16 June 2021, Boohoo's Group Chief Executive John Lyttle said to [[The Times]] that some beauty brands had refused to supply products to Debenhams unless it had a physical store presence, thus Boohoo planned to open one Debenhams-branded beauty store outside London.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-16|title=Boohoo's Debenhams beauty store a 'savvy’ move|url=https://www.drapersonline.com/news/boohoos-debenhams-store-opening-a-brilliant-and-savvy-move|access-date=2021-06-20|website=Drapers|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-15|title=Boohoo set to reopen one Debenhams store|url=https://dailybusinessgroup.co.uk/2021/06/boohoo-to-reopen-one-debenhams-store/|access-date=2021-06-20|website=Daily Business|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Winchester|first=Levi|date=2021-06-16|title=Boohoo in talks to bring Debenhams back to the high street - but just one store|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/boohoo-talks-bring-debenhams-back-24330918|access-date=2021-06-20|website=mirror|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Editor|first=Ashley Armstrong, Retail|title=Boohoo to reopen Debenhams — but just one shop|language=en|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/boohoo-to-reopen-debenhams-but-just-one-shop-lprmhkqt7|access-date=2021-06-20|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> ==Former stores and franchises== ===United Kingdom, Denmark and the Republic of Ireland=== As of December 2020, the company owned and operated 124 stores in the [[United Kingdom]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Sarah |title=UK high street left reeling as Debenhams goes into liquidation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/dec/01/debenhams-close-stores-jobs-department-store-jd-sports |access-date=22 December 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=1 December 2020}}</ref> and 7 under the [[Magasin du Nord]] brand in [[Denmark]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stores – own operated|url=https://ir.debenhams.com/stores-own-operated|publisher=Debenhams|access-date=10 April 2020}}</ref> Debenhams occupied the most sites of any of the traditional department store groups in the UK. The majority of the original trading names of the stores, in each of their respective locations, were replaced with the "Debenhams" name during the 1970s. All the department stores in the group traded as "Debenhams" (although the store in Chester was still dual-signed as Debenhams and Browns of Chester).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www-cheshire--live-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/browns-chester-among-debenhams-stores-15325489.amp?amp_js_v=a2&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D#aoh=15699161257818&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cheshire-live.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fchester-cheshire-news%2Fbrowns-chester-among-debenhams-stores-15325489|title=Is Browns of Chester among Debenhams stores due to close?|date=25 October 2018|access-date=1 October 2019}}</ref> In April 2020, stores operated in the Republic of Ireland by [[Debenhams Ireland]] ceased trading with the loss of nearly 2,000 jobs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/roches-stores-v-debenhams-so-who-are-the-roche-family-34748689.html|title=Roches Stores v Debenhams: So who are the Roche family?|date=26 May 2016|work=The Independent|access-date=17 April 2017}}</ref> ===International franchises=== As of 2020, the Debenhams brand is used in 45 stores operating under licence in 17 other countries.<ref>{{cite web|year=2020|title=Debenhams International Stores|url=https://ir.debenhams.com/international-stores|access-date=29 June 2020|publisher=Debenhams plc}}</ref> In Middle East, its operating licence was held by Alshaya Group and is still operating to this day. It also operates Debenhams Cosmetics.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Debenhams' GCC stores 'not affected' by closure plans|url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/retail/418873-debenhams-gcc-stores-not-affected-by-closure-plans|url-status=live}}</ref> In Malaysia, it operates at [[The Curve (shopping mall)|The Curve in Selangor]] and [[Gurney Paragon]] in Penang, also not impacted by the massive UK closure.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-04-23|title=Amid store closure news in the UK, Debenhams Malaysia plans expansion|url=http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/amid-store-closure-news-uk-debenhams-malaysia-plans-expansion|access-date=2021-06-29|website=The Edge Markets}}</ref> In [[Philippines]], it is operated by SSI Group, Inc., located at Shangri-la Plaza, Abreeza, and a shop-in-shop inside Rustan's Glorietta 3.<ref>{{Cite web|title=SSI Group, Inc. (SSI)|url=http://www.ssigroup.com.ph/brands|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.ssigroup.com.ph}}</ref> The [[Senayan City]] store in [[Indonesia]] closed on 31 December 2017, marking the brand's official exit from Indonesia.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Agustiyanti|title=Debenhams Senayan City Resmi Ditutup Akhir Tahun Ini|url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/ekonomi/20171026155328-92-251320/debenhams-senayan-city-resmi-ditutup-akhir-tahun-ini|access-date=2020-12-02|website=ekonomi|language=id-ID}}</ref> Meanwhile, its only store in Australia closed in January 2020 after 2 years of trading.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://finance.nine.com.au/business-news/debenhams-store-closure-melbourne-outlet-to-close-doors-next-year/8757a1a7-a8b4-4b6b-93ee-40e32793754b|title=Debenhams to close only Australian store|website=finance.nine.com.au|date=3 July 2019|access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref> Debenhams opened a store in [[Sofia]], [[Bulgaria]] located in the Bulgaria Mall in 2012, its 71st international store.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fashionunited.uk/v1/fashion/debenhams-opens-first-store-in-bulgaria/2012120412108%3|title=Debenhams opens first store in Bulgaria|newspaper=Fashion United|date=4 December 2012|access-date=26 July 2021}}</ref> In September 2020, Debenhams Pakistan, located in [[Dolmen Malls|Dolmen Mall Clifton]], in [[Karachi]], shut its doors in Pakistan after nine years.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=Images|date=2021-08-27|title=Department store Debenhams to shut its doors in Pakistan after nine years|url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1188266|access-date=2021-10-25|website=Images|language=en}}</ref> ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} ==External links== {{commons category|Debenhams}} * {{Official website|http://www.debenhams.com|Debenhams}} – official site * [http://www.debenhamsplc.com Debenhams] – corporate site * {{PM20|FID=co/005796|TEXT=Documents and clippings about}} {{UK Department stores}} {{Arcadia Group}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Debenhams| ]] [[Category:1778 establishments in England]] [[Category:2020 disestablishments in England]] [[Category:2020 disestablishments in the United Kingdom]] [[Category:British companies disestablished in 2020]] [[Category:British companies established in 1778]] [[Category:Companies formerly listed on the London Stock Exchange]] [[Category:Companies that have entered administration in the United Kingdom]] [[Category:CVC Capital Partners companies]] [[Category:Department stores of the United Kingdom]] [[Category:Kamani family]] [[Category:Private equity portfolio companies]] [[Category:Retail companies based in London]] [[Category:Retail companies disestablished in 2020]] [[Category:Retail companies established in 1778]] [[Category:Retail companies of Denmark]] [[Category:Retail companies of England]] [[Category:Retail companies of the United Kingdom]]'