Here's when Sunderland's Debenhams store will close for the last time

The high street giant was snapped up by online fashion retailer Boohoo for £55million in January after running into financial difficulties.

But while the firm intends to retain the Debenhams name for Internet purchases, the 118 Debenhams stores nationwide were earmarked for closure, resulting in around 12,000 job losses.

Branches across the country reopened temporarily earlier this month, as coronavirus lockdown restrictions on non-essential retail outlets were eased.

Bargain hunters queued around the block outside the Bridges as the Sunderland store reopened on April 12, with up to 70% off fashion and home products and up to 50% off beauty and fragrance lines.

But the move was only ever intended to be temporary in order to sell off outstanding stock.

Boohoo said the stores would continue to trade for a number of weeks until stock has been fully cleared.

The firm confirmed that permanent closures would begin on Sunday, May 2, with stock clearance due to be completed and final stores expected to close by Saturday, May 15.

Now the company has announced the Sunderland store will be one of 25 across England and Wales which shut their doors for the last time a week earlier than the final deadline, on Saturday, May 8.

The firm’s Middlesbrough outlet will also shut on the same day

A spokesperson for Debenhams said: “Time is running out for shoppers to take advantage of the incredible discounts being offered at these 25 stores.”

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.