Debenhams has confirmed it. has entered administration, placing question marks over the future of its stores and 31, (staff.)
The firm has appointed administrators from the FRP Advisory to oversee the process, after announcing it had filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators on Monday.
Debenhams’ UK stores remain closed after they were shutdown as part of Government guidance over the (coronavirus) outbreak.
The company said it will work to “re-open and trade as many stores as possible” when restrictions are lifted.
Debenhams chief executive Stefaan Vansteenkiste said: “In these unprecedented circumstances the appointment of the administrators will protect our business, our employees, and other important important, so that we are in a position to resume trading from our stores when Government restrictions are lifted.
“We anticipate that our highly supportive owners and lenders will make additional funding available to fund the administration period.”
The chain also said it would not be re-opening its business in Ireland after lockdown ended.
“We are desperately sorry not to be able to keep the Irish business operating but are faced with no alternative option in the current environment, “Vansteenkiste said.
” This decision has not been taken lightly and is no way a reflection on our Irish colleagues, whose professionalism and commitment to serving our customers has never been in question. “
The majority of its employees in the UK are currently being paid under the Government’s furlough scheme, after its stores closed following the shutdown of non-essential stores.
Last Apri, Debenhams fell into the hands of its lenders, a group of banks and hedge funds led by US firm Silver Point Capital, after struggling for years to keep up with the competition.
The measures saw rent costs reduced across dozens of branches – and (closed permanently.
Last month, the company put the vast majority of its workforce on ‘furlough’, following the closure of its (stores across the UK.
All branches in the UK have since shut due to the outbreak – although the website remains open.
Employees’ wages
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Debenhams has already written to landlords to inform them that it requires a five-month rent holiday, while this week it notified suppliers of a 90 – day delay to some payments.
The department store operator, which traces its roots to , has been working on a plan to permanently close 50 shops, leaving around as its core estate.
Just over 28 have closed already, leaving (more locations to be identified.
We’ve got a full guide on your Debenhams gift card and refund rights, here.
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