‘I went to a Debenhams closing down sale and it was as depressing as it sounds’ – Thomas Kingsley

The information of Debenhams closing down did not come simple for Londoners.

For many, the division retailer was a acquainted, and in style identify related to the likes of Woolworths and BHS who’ve travelled the highway Debenhams is at the moment heading down.

Today, Debenhams introduced the ultimate closing date of one other 25 shops throughout the nation.

The North West London Harrow Debenhams department, additionally scheduled to shut completely in mid-May, was one of many 97 shops which reopened on April 12 to for a remaining flash sale.

My London reporter Thomas Kingsley visited the Debenhams on the point of closure to have one final expertise procuring within the retailer.

‘Empty cabinets at each flip’

Shelves aren’t precisely meant to be overflowing with gadgets in a closing down sale, however the absolute naked look of one in every of Britain’s previously hottest shops was fairly stunning.

The store was unrecognisable with empty cabinets at each flip.

An empty until on the store flooring of an unrecognisable Debenhams

I keep in mind the times strolling into Debenhams the place store counters had been busy with make-up artists giving in-retailer testers and prospects crowding gross sales advisers for availability of the newest perfume to purchase for a vital different.

Today, it was unattended counters, deserted tills left open and little buzz of retail pleasure.

A Debenhams which was as soon as a native favorite retailer, now appears to be like a shadow of itself. Everything you’d think about from a retailer shutting down in a few weeks.

Empty sections were commonplace at Debenhams

Empty sections had been commonplace at Debenhams

‘It’s like my second house’

As far as procuring experiences go, the shop appeared devoid of vitality. Customers, myself included, had been set solely on discovering the very best offers and nothing else – there was no spring show to get pleasure from, no overly eager gross sales adviser prepared to enable you together with your store.

It was a mere transaction of money for items.

Pratibha has been working at Debenhams for 15 years

Pratibha has been working at Debenhams for 15 years

I spoke to gross sales adviser, Pratibha, 66, whose labored at Debenhams for 15 years.

Pratibha stated: “I’m very unhappy the shop is closing, that is like my second house.”

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She added: “But on the identical I’m at an age the place I can retire so I’ve that possibility.

“I should still search for one thing half time, I nonetheless really feel match.”

Empty shelves were at every turn in Debenhams

Empty cabinets had been at each flip in Debenhams

In the hustle and bustle of Debenham’s closing down sale, as emotional as it was, I too managed to come away with a steal.

A £6 candle purchased for half the value was a good days searching for me.

Sadly, it probably be my final procuring expertise at Debenhams – they are going to be sorely missed.

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