Sunderland Debenhams to reopen for final clearance sale - opening hours and final closure dates

It was confirmed in January that the 242-year-old Debenhams brand and website had been bought by online fashion retailer Boohoo for £55million.

Despite the department store giant’s name surviving, the company’s remaining 118 stores across the country, including Sunderland’s, will close for good – resulting in around 12,000 job losses.

Now, as non-essential retailers reopen due to easing lockdown restrictions, Debenhams will also open their doors to customers for a final sale – with up to 70% off fashion and home products and up to 50% off beauty and fragrance lines.

The Sunderland store, in The Bridges, will be opening as part of the final stock liquidation process and will continue to trade for a number of weeks until stock in the stores has been fully cleared.

Stores will begin closing permanently from May 2 and with stock clearance due to be completed and final stores expected to close by May 15.

All Debenhams stores have been made Covid-secure, with appropriate hygiene and social distancing measures in place.

A spokesperson for Debenhams said: “This is the last chance for customers in England and Wales to visit their local Debenhams before sadly our stores close for good. We will be reopening with a fantastic range of offers and discounts across all of our customers’ favourite brands and products.

“Stocks are limited and expected to sell out quickly so customers should visit their nearest store quickly to avoid disappointment. We are very grateful for the efforts of our staff who have worked so hard throughout the most difficult of circumstances to keep the business trading.”

Popular brands including Primark, H&M, Lush, The Fragrance Shop, Footasylum, Next, Hotel Chocolat and Waterstones will open their doors for the first time in months at Sunderland shopping centre, The Bridges.

A one-way system inside The Bridges will be in place along with enhanced cleaning and hand sanitiser stations.

Masks must be worn throughout the centre.

The centre will open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 11.00am to 5.00pm on Sunday.

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