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'{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}} {{other uses|Debenham (disambiguation)}} {{Infobox company |stock_market)name = DEB DEBENHAMS PLC ORD 0.01P |name = Debenhams PLC | logo = [[File:Debenhams.svg|250px|Company logo]] | type = [[Public limited company]] | traded_as = {{lse|DEB}} | foundation = 1778 (by William Clark)<br/>1813 (as Clark & Debenham) | location = 10 Brock Street, London, England, United Kingdom | key_people = Nigel Northridge ([[Chairman]])<br>Michael Sharp ([[CEO]]) | industry = [[Retail]] | products = Fashion clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, home and furniture, electricals, gifts, toys | revenue = [[Pound sterling|£]]2,312.7 million (2014)<ref name=prelims>{{cite web |url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9MjU1ODAyfENoaWxkSUQ9LTF8VHlwZT0z&t=1 |title=Preliminary Results|year=2014 |publisher=Debenhams plc |accessdate=28 March 2015}}</ref> | operating_income = [[Pound sterling|£]]128.6 million (2014)<ref name=prelims/> | net_income =[[Pound sterling|£]]87.2 million (2014)<ref name=prelims/> | num_employees = 29,000 (2012)<ref name="about">{{cite web| title=Overview| url=http://www.debenhamsplc.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=196805&p=overview| publisher=Debenhams| accessdate=22 February 2012}}</ref> | subsid = [[Debenhams Ireland]]<br/>[[Magasin du Nord]] | homepage={{url|www.debenhams.com}} }} '''Debenhams plc''' is a British multinational retailer operating under a [[department store]] format in the United Kingdom and Ireland with [[Franchising|franchise]] stores in other countries. The company was founded in the eighteenth century as a single store in London and has now grown to 178 locations across the UK, Ireland and Denmark. It sells a range of clothing, household items and furniture and has been known since 1993 for its 'Designers at Debenhams' brand range. Headquartered in [[Regent's Place]] in the [[London Borough of Camden]], Debenhams is listed on the [[London Stock Exchange]] and is a constituent of the [[FTSE&nbsp;250 Index]]. The company owns the Danish department store chain [[Magasin du Nord]], and has a subsidiary in Ireland. ==History== ===18th and 19th centuries=== The business was formed in 1778 by William Clark, who began trading at 44 Wigmore Street in London as a [[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 |accessdate=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 provincial branches in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, and Harrogate, Yorkshire, England.<ref name="housefraserarchive.ac.uk">http://www.housefraserarchive.ac.uk/company/?id=c1536</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. The new shop flourished. 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. 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=== 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| accessdate=22 February 2012}}</ref> [[File:Debenhams, Leeds.jpg|thumb|left|Debenhams on [[Briggate]] in [[Leeds]]]] 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 an on 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| accessdate=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|accessdate=30 October 2014}}</ref> In 1976 the company acquired a very large dick[[Browns of Chester]]. It remains the only UK store 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 declinded 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|accessdate=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 fur]]s 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=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18423441 |newspaper=BBC News |date=13 June 2012 |accessdate=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=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18426368 |newspaper=BBC News |date=13 June 2012 |accessdate=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 |accessdate=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 |accessdate=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|accessdate=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 |accessdate=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=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2006/dec/15/retail| author=Jane Martinson| publisher=The Guardian| date=14 December 2006| accessdate=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| accessdate=22 February 2012}}</ref> The new store contains 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| accessdate=22 February 2012| url=http://www.bullring.co.uk/Comgenic.Manager.Images/Educationpack.pdf}}</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 |accessdate=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 |publisher=BBC News |date=4 May 2006 |accessdate=12 August 2013}}</ref> 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=http://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 |accessdate=5 October 2012}}</ref> [[File:Oxford Street - Debenhams.jpg|thumb|left|Debenhams' flagship store in Oxford Street]] 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 |publisher=Financial Times |date=12 November 2009 |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/89b81a02-cfab-11de-a36d-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2bnQ9jII5 |accessdate=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 |accessdate=15 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 |accessdate=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=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17766493 |newspaper=BBC News Online |date=19 April 2012 |accessdate=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=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-17771893 |newspaper=BBC News Online |date=19 April 2012 |accessdate=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=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19632791 |newspaper=BBC News Online |date=18 September 2012 |accessdate=7 October 2012}}</ref> 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 |accessdate=27 July 2013}}</ref> The company began a refurbishment of its flagship store in Oxford Street in 2013, which will involve the installation of 180,000 aluminium tiles on the exterior of the building that will appear to ripple with the wind. An existing floor will also be converted to become a trading floor. The total cost of the refurbishment will be £40 million, of which Debenhams will contribute £25 million. The owner of the building, British Land, will also contribute towards the cost.<ref>{{cite news |title=Debenhams to dazzle Oxford Street with 180,000 shiny tiles |author=Jonathan Prynn |url=http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/debenhams-to-dazzle-oxford-street-with-180000-shiny-tiles-8653442.html |newspaper=Evening Standard |date=11 June 2013 |accessdate=27 July 2013}}</ref> The refurbishment is 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 |accessdate=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=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25559780 |newspaper=BBC News |accessdate=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=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10546564/Debenhams-finance-boss-quits-days-after-major-profit-warning.html |newspaper=The Telegraph |accessdate=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=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25709718|title= Sports Direct buys 4.6% Debenhams stake|publisher= BBC |date=13 January 2014|accessdate=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|accessdate=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=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25755832 |newspaper=BBC News |accessdate=16 January 2014}}</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| accessdate=22 February 2012}}</ref> The idea put designer names and brands at [[High Street]] prices, including [[Jasper Conran]], [[John Rocha]], [[Betty Jackson]] Black, Butterfly by [[Matthew Williamson]], H! by [[Henry Holland (fashion designer)|Henry Holland]], Star by [[Julien Macdonald]], Frost French, Erickson Beamon, Eric Van Peterson, Janet Reger, Pip Hackett, Melissa Odabash, [[Ted Baker]], St&nbsp;George by Duffer, [[Jeff Banks]], and Ben de Lisi. The brand Designers at Debenhams was the saving grace for the company which had been in decline since the late 1980s. The company also sells goods under a number of brand names that it owns. In October 2010, Debenhams announced the launch of four new designer names to its fashion range; [[Jonathan Saunders]], Preen, Jonathan Kelsey, and Roksanda Ilincic, who will be working with the retailer on a new concept called Edition.<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| accessdate=22 February 2012}}</ref> [[File:Oasis, Debenhams, Sutton, Surrey, London.JPG|thumb|Oasis concession in the [[Sutton, London]] branch]] Stores also contain [[Concession (contract)|concessions]] whereby other retailers may trade from. 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=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10914636/Debenhams-to-open-Sports-Direct-concessions.html |work=Daily Telegraph |accessdate=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|accessdate=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=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/oct/06/debenhams-mothercare-concessions-stores-appealing|accessdate=22 February 2015|work=The Guardian|date=6 October 2014}}</ref> The company operates retail websites in the UK and Ireland, as well as a mobile-enabled website and [[mobile app]]s that allow 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| accessdate=22 February 2012}}</ref> An international version of the website also allows customers to shop the company's range from a further 64 countries. Debenhams provide store card and [[credit card]] services, operated by [[NewDay (company)|NewDay]]. Insurance products are also provided under the Debenhams brand by other financial companies. Debenhams also operate [[bureau de change]]s in selected stores. The company also operates a [[Loyalty program|loyalty card programme]], branded the Debenhams Beauty Club, where customers can collect points with the purchase of health and beauty products. In October 2013 the company launched an online ticket service known as Debenhams Box Office,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/debenhams-offers-new-ticketbuying-service-8870888.html|title=Debenhams offers new ticket-buying service| publisher=London Evening Standard |date=10 October 2013 |accessdate=7 September 2014}}</ref> powered by a number of ticket providers, including notable primary ticket outlets such as [[Skiddle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.skiddle.com/skiddle-affiliates-get-ready-for-nye/|title=Skiddle Affiliates Get Ready for NYE| publisher=Skiddle Blog}}</ref> ==Stores== ===United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark=== [[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]].]] As of 2015, the company owns and operates 178 stores in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark. Stores in Denmark trade under the Magasin du Nord brand.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stores|url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=196805&p=departmentstores|publisher=Debenhams plc|accessdate=19 January 2015}}</ref> Stores in Ireland are operated by [[Debenhams Ireland]], which is a subsidiary of Debenhams plc. Debenhams occupies 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 department stores in the group now trade as "Debenhams" (although the store in Chester is still dual-signed as Debenhams and Browns of Chester). New stores are usually located within wider town and regional shopping centre developments. Stores amalgamated into the group include: *Adnitt Brothers ([[Northampton]]) Bought 1952. Rebranded 1973. *Affleck & Brown ([[Manchester]]) Bought 1920. *[[Allders]] ([[Basildon]], [[Chatham, Kent|Chatham]], [[Clapham Junction]], [[Portsmouth]] etc.) *V H Bennett ([[Weymouth, Dorset|Weymouth]]) *[[Bobby & Co.]] ([[Bournemouth]], [[Eastbourne]], [[Exeter]], [[Torquay]] etc.) Bought 1928 as part of Drapery Trust. *Bonds ([[Chelmsford]]) *Bon Marché ([[Gloucester]]) Bought 1928 as part of Drapery Trust. Rebranded 1971. *[[Browns of Chester]] ([[Bangor, Gwynedd|Bangor]], [[Chester]]) Bought 1975. *Busbys ([[Bradford]]) Bought 1958. Rebranded 1973. Closed 1978. *W & A Chapman ([[Taunton]]) *Corders ([[Ipswich]]) (merged with Footman Pretty when the current store was built) *[[Curl Brothers]] ([[Norwich]]) *Drages ([[High Holborn]] & [[Birmingham]]) Bought 1928 as part of Drapery Trust. *[[Elliston & Cavell]] ([[Oxford]]) Bought 1953. *Footman Pretty ([[Ipswich]]) (merged with Corders once the current store was built) *[[Griffin & Spalding]] ([[Nottingham]]) Bought 1944. *Edward Grey ([[Birmingham]]) *Handleys ([[Southsea]]) *John K Hubbard ([[Worthing]]) *Jermyns ([[Kings Lynn]]) *Jones ([[Bristol]]) *Edwin Jones ([[Southampton]]) *[[Kennards]] ([[Croydon]] & [[Staines]]) Bought 1928 as part of Drapery Trust. *William Lefevre ([[Canterbury]]) *[[Lewis's]] ([[Glasgow]] and [[Hanley, Staffordshire|Hanley]]) *Marshalls Ltd Bought 1928 as part of Drapery Trust. *J. Newhouse ([[Middlesbrough]]) *Nicholsons ([[Bromley]]) *[[Marshall & Snelgrove]] ([[Oxford Street|Oxford Street, London]], etc.) Merger 1919. *[[Owen Owen]] ([[Crawley]]) *Pauldens ([[Manchester]], [[Sheffield]]) Bought 1920. *Pendleburys ([[Wigan]]) Bought 1948. *[[Plummer Roddis]] ([[Bournemouth]], [[Southampton]], [[Hastings]] etc.) *Ranbys ([[Derby]] *[[Matthias Robinson]] ([[Leeds]], [[Stockton-on-Tees]]) Bought 1962. *E P Rose ([[Bedford]]) *Sheriff & Ward ([[Winchester]]) *Simes ([[Worcester]]) *Smiths ([[Nuneaton]] & [[Stratford upon Avon]]) *Sopers ([[Harrow, London]]) *Spooners ([[Plymouth]]) *Stones ([[Romford]]) Bought 1960. *Style & Gerrish ([[Salisbury]]) *[[Swan & Edgar]] ([[Piccadilly Circus]]) Bought 1928 as part of the Drapery Trust. *Taylors of Clifton ([[Clifton, Bristol]]) *Wellsteeds ([[Reading, Berkshire|Reading]]) *[[Woolland Brothers]] ([[Knightsbridge]]) Bought 1949 Closed 1967. *Thornton Varley ([[Kingston-upon-Hull]]) ===International franchises=== The Debenhams brand is used for stores operating under licence in 26 other countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=196805&p=internationalfranchisestores |title=International Franchise Stores |year=2013 |publisher=Debenhams plc |accessdate=11 August 2013}}</ref> These are Armenia, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran,<ref>{{cite news| title=Debenhams 'to open first store in Iran| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3779326/Debenhams-to-open-first-store-in-Iran.html| author=Chris Irvine |date=16 December 2008| publisher=Daily Telegraph| accessdate=22 February 2012}}</ref> Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Malta,<ref>{{cite news| title=Debenhams launching Malta recruitment drive| url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090713/local/debenhams-launching-malta-recruitment-drive| work=[[The Times (Malta)|The Times]]| date=13 July 2009| publisher=Times of Malta |accessdate=22 February 2012}}</ref> Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Russia,<ref>{{cite news |title=Debenhams has high hopes for Russia |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/10/05/uk-russia-debenhams-sales-idUKBRE8940WJ20121005 |author=Nastassia Astrasheuskaya |date=5 October 2012 |publisher=Reuters |accessdate=11 August 2013}}</ref> Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. The company announced in January 2013 that it planned to increase the number of international franchise stores to 150 within 5 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9MTY2Nzk1fENoaWxkSUQ9LTF8VHlwZT0z&t=1 |title=Interim Management Statement |date=8 January 2013 |publisher=Debenhams plc |accessdate=15 January 2013}}</ref> In late 2015 it was announced that Debenhams had acquired all seven [[Stockmann]] stores in Russia.<ref>[http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/finland-s-stockmann-sells-department-stores-after-26-years-in-russia/550863.html/ Finland's Stockmann Sells Department Stores After 26 Years in Russia] [[The Moscow Times]]</ref> ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== {{commons category|Debenhams}} *{{official website|http://www.debenhams.com/}} *[http://www.debenhamsplc.com/ Corporate website] {{UK Department stores}} {{Arcadia Group}} {{FTSE 250 Index constituents}} [[Category:Debenhams| ]] [[Category:Retail companies based in London]] [[Category:Department stores of the United Kingdom]] [[Category:Retail companies of the United Kingdom]] [[Category:Private equity portfolio companies]] [[Category:Companies established in 1778]] [[Category:CVC Capital Partners companies]] [[Category:1778 establishments in England]] [[Category:Retail companies of England]] [[Category:Retail companies of Denmark]] [[Category:Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange]]'