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More than a million Debenhams customers are trapped in huge virtual queues after the store offered a 70% discount on a “direct sale.”
The department store was preparing its latest Christmas blast after the last desperate attempts to save it collapsed this morning.
JD Sports, which set out to salvage the 242-year-old department store, said it is no longer interested after Arcadia, which is worth £ 75 million a year to Debenhams, collapsed.
Then the chain began preparing a 70% discount before Christmas on what is expected to be the last sale at its 124 remaining stores.
An ad tonight told shoppers trying to enter the website: “They are in a virtual queue.
“Sorry to wait, we are currently using a virtual queue due to exceptional demand.
“We will get you to the site as soon as possible.
“Thank you for your patience.”
(Image: Debenhams)
The company said it will continue to trade on High Street and in line with a direct sale of its shares when England’s national shutdown ends tomorrow.
“Debenhams will continue to operate through its 124 stores in the UK and online to clear its current and contracted stock,” a statement to Mirror Money said.
Dubbed ‘Wild Wednesday’, December 2 will be one of the busiest shopping days of the year as retailers return from lockdown with new 24-hour business hours in a bid to recoup the 900 million pounds lost per day. as a result of Covid -19 restrictions.
(Image: Debenhams)
(Image: PA)
Geoff Rowley of FRP Advisory, joint manager of Debenhams, said: “All reasonable steps were taken to complete a transaction that would secure Debenhams’ future.
“However, the economic outlook is extremely challenging and coupled with the uncertainty facing the UK retail industry, a viable deal could not be reached.
“The decision to go ahead with a closure program has been carefully evaluated and, while we remain hopeful that alternative proposals for the business may still be received, we deeply regret that circumstances compel us to begin this course of action.
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“We are very grateful for the efforts of the management team and staff who have worked so hard under the most difficult circumstances to keep the business running.”
In a brief statement to the London Stock Exchange, the company said: “JD Sports Fashion, the leading retailer of sports, fashion and outdoor brands, confirms that discussions with Debenhams managers about a possible acquisition of the UK business have already ended.. “
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