Relief for Debenhams staff as they are told Northampton shop will reopen after lockdown

Debenhams have finally dispelled doubts over their Northampton by confirming it WILL reopen on June 15.

The 242-year-old fashion and homeware chain left staff at the Drapery store up in air by refusing to name which sites were safe after the company went into administration in March.

Bosses confirmed 16 stores would not reopen after the Covid-19 lockdown — including sites in Birmingham, Leicester and Leamington — and revealed deals had been done with owners over rents to secure the future of 120 of the remaining 126 stores in its portfolio.

Non-essential shops are allowed to open from June 15 after Prime Minister Boris Johnson eased the lockdown restrictions which forced stores to shutter their doors back in March.

And Debenhams today revealed the list of its 50 stores which will reopen — including Northampton — on the first day they are able to. More stores will open later in the week.

Managing Director Steven Cook said: “We are delighted to be welcoming customers back to our stores.

"From the installation of perspex screens at till points to the roll-out of social distancing procedures and PPE, we have been working hard to ensure our colleagues and customers can work and shop with confidence.

"Our reopening plans follow the successful conclusion of lease negotiations on 120 stores, meaning that the vast majority of our stores will be reopening.”

The 242-year-old department store chain has been a name in Northampton's town centre since 1973 when it rebranded the former Adnitt Brothers store it bought back in the 1950s.