Debenhams announces last day for Winchester store as May 2

The High Street department store reopened after lockdown to sell off its remaining stock, with discounts of up to 80 per cent on fashion and home and up to 70 per cent on beauty and fragrance.

A reduced staff is overseeing the final sale, with a member on the door keeping tabs on numbers of people inside.

Much of the stock has been sold and some parts of the store have already been taped off. Many of the display cabinets are empty of items including the perfumes, clothing and homeware sections.

Empty shelves at Debenhams

One shopper, Mary Barton, of Romsey Road, Southampton, said: "It's very sad that it's going as its been one of my favourite shops. I'm looking for a bargain but also just to say 'goodbye'."

Debenhams stores closing on May 2: Carmarthen, Fareham, Gravesend, Hounslow, Ilford, Llandudno, Llanelli, Newbury, Oldham, Taunton, Walsall, Winchester, Workington, Worthing, Wrexham, York and Monks Cross.

Stores closing on May 4: Bangor, Bedford, Bolton, Bradford, Bury, Cambridge, Hastings, Ipswich, Newport, Nottingham and Sutton.

Debenhams’ remaining stores are expected to close by May 15, with further closures expected between May 4 and May 15.

Debenhams in Winchester

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

A spokesperson for Debenhams said: “With such great bargains on offer, it’s no wonder our stock is selling out incredibly fast. Time is running out for shoppers to take advantage of the incredible discounts being offered at these 27 stores.”

Debenhams in Winchester