Struggling Retail Giant Debenhams To Axe Hundreds of Jobs

Debenhams, the struggling retail giant are to axe 320 jobs across the UK as they look to make savings following bad Christmas trading figures.

Debenhams, who operate a store in Beverley at the out of town retail park, Flemingate, say they will try to redeploy staff where possible in their business.

Following a profit warning issued by the company in January, the company said it will look to accelerate their plans to close under performing stores as part of a £10m cost-saving plan.

In a statement released, Debenhams said;

“As we continue to deliver the Debenhams Redesigned strategy, we are reviewing our retail structure. The review looks to identify how we can reduce cost and complexity in store processes so that we can focus our resources on serving customers better.”

“We are currently consulting with individuals affected and will seek redeployment opportunities where possible. We envisage our new structure being fully in place by the end of March.”

Debenhams who were the ‘anchor store’ for the multi-million pound retail park development at Flemingate in Beverley and were key to its launch.

Only last week the second business on the Flemingate site closed their doors and ceased trading after they were unable to make the business work.

Opened in 2015 Flemingate, which is owned by the Wykeland Group, is also home to a number of key high street brands. These include Poundland, The Entertainer and Baytree Interiors.

Debenhams not only have a store in Beverley, but they also operate department stores in Hull City Centre and in neighbouring York at the hugely popular Monks Cross Retail Park.

Employing over 22,000 people the company has already closed two stores this year and is evaluating plans to shut a further eight this year as part of their recovery plan as they look to adapt to modern consumer trends.