Debenhams, which was earlier this year acquired by Boohoo, has announced the closure of its 15 stores in Scotland – it will not open even when lockdown restrictions will be lifted.
Also Read: Boohoo buys Debenhams for £55 million
And if that happens, then as many as 647 more jobs are going to be, reportedly, hit.
The retailer has, however, said that it will reopen its stores in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for a brief period so as to clear its stock liquidation process – but that will be only after restrictions are lifted by the Government.
As per Government rules, non-essential stores cannot open in Scotland before 26 April. Since the date does not align with those expected in other regions of the UK, Debenhams – which is also planning to wind-down its business – intends to close its 15 stores in Scotland forever.
While some workers may be, reportedly, retained to support orderly exit from stores, 647 workers on the whole are going to be hit this time.
Expressing regret over the decision, Geoff Rowley, Joint Administrator and Partner of FRP Advisory, said while Debenhams’ Scottish stores will not reopen, the retailer thanks all the affected employees for their continual commitment to Debenhams.
Almost 12,000 jobs were hit after Debenhams was sold to Boohoo for £55 million in January this year.
