Westfield's Debenhams Escapes the Axe

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Store is not among 22 included in first phase of planned closures

Westfield's branch of Debenhams is not included in initial plans for store closures announced today, 26 April by the chain's new owners.

That means the Shepherd's Bush department store will stay open until at least the end of 2020.

Stores in Wandsworth and Wimbledon are among 22 closures announced as the first phase of a plan by its new owners, who include Barclays and Bank of Ireland, as well as US investment firms, to revive the struggling store chain.

These closures will start next year, affecting 1,200 staff.

In the longer term, the Westfield store's future remains uncertain, with an overall total of 50 stores earmarked for closure.

"Debenhams has a clear strategy and a bright future, but in order for the business to prosper, we need to restructure the group's store portfolio and its balance sheet, which are not appropriate for today's much changed retail environment," said Terry Duddy, Debenhams executive chairman.

"Our priority is to save as many stores and as many jobs as we can, while making the business fit for the future."

April 26, 2019