Debenhams to close three intu stores

Debenhams has said it will not reopen three shops owned by intu after lockdown restrictions are eased next week, bringing the total tally of stores that will not open again to 20.  The trio are all located at intu shopping centres – at the Metrocentre in Gateshead, Milton Keynes, and Watford. Figures from Radius Data Exchange show that Debenhams has vacated a combined 422,882 sq ft across the three intu centres. The total amount of space that Debenhams will not be reopening post-lockdown now amounts to some 1.88m sq ft. The Watford store in particular was once touted as Debenhams’ store of the future. The 86,000 sq ft shop, which launched in 2018 as an anchor to the centre’s £180m extension, featured a beauty hall and pop-up gin bar. A spokesperson for Debenhams said: “Sadly we have been unable to agree terms with the landlord. As a result these stores will not be reopening in line with the rest of the chain next week. We greatly regret the effect on our colleagues, who have served our customers with commitment and dedication.” Debenhams operated 142 outlets before the lockdown. Last week it confirmed plans to reopen 50 stores in England on 15 June. Three stores opened in Northern Ireland yesterday (8 June), including the Belfast flagship, with two remaining stores in Northern Ireland due to open “shortly thereafter”. The list of Debenhams stores that will not be reopen post-lockdown, so far: Borehamwood Clapham Croydon Gateshead Kidderminster King’s Lynn Leamington Spa Leicester Merthyr Tydfil Milton Keynes Reading Rugby Salisbury South Shields Southampton Stratford-upon-Avon Swindon Truro Watford Westfield London To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette