Debenhams is back on Manchester’s high street six months after company’s collapse
A familiar name has returned to the city centre high street this week as Debenhams reopens in Manchester.
The huge department store was liquidated last year, and while Boohoo rescued the brand and website, none of its stores were saved – but the historic retailer has quietly reopened in the city centre, launching a UK-first Debenhams.com beauty store.
Located in the Arndale shopping centre, the new shop spans 7522 sq ft over two floors.
Boohoo says the space will “connect the online and physical retail worlds”, with interactive screens throughout, and Scott Linard – Portfolio Director at M&G – added: “It is great news for Manchester Arndale that the Boohoo Group has chosen the centre as its first location for a Debenhams.com beauty store in the UK and we welcome it to the city.
“We have worked closely with Debenhams.com to realise this opportunity in just a matter of weeks and are extremely excited about how big a draw the new store is likely to be for our shoppers in the future.
“It is also a great boost more generally for bricks and mortar retail and demonstrates that there will continue to be a balance between online and in-person shopping”.
Jeanette Whithear – Beauty and Homeware Director at Debenhams.com – said: “We are delighted to be opening Debenhams.com Beauty store, within Manchester Arndale, especially as this is the home of the Boohoo group.
“It feels like an organic location for this exciting retail space, within the heart of the city.
“Since April, we have reintroduced multiple brands to Debenhams.com as well as new ones, that have really grown the offering for our customers.
“With the next step of Debenhams.com Beauty journey, I’m excited to see the cross over from our digital and physical elements come to life within the space as well as our range of brands increase dramatically into 2022.”
Featured Image – Supplied (Debenhams.com)