What type of business is debenhams

The company would continue to build its reputation into the 20th century, especially with the opening of the first Debenhams department store in In the same year, the company incorporated under the Debenhams name. Debenhams would convert its other stores to the department store format over the next decades. The company also expanded beyond its own stores, purchasing Harvey Nichols in The Harvey Nichols name, featured in Debenhams stores and in its own stores, would grow to become an exclusive, high-end label.

In the ever-expanding Debenhams went public, listing its shares on the London Stock Exchange, just in time for the Great Depression. By then Debenhams had been joined on the British retail scene by Montague Burton. That company had been founded in by Lithuanian tailor Moshe David Osinsky, who had changed his name to Montague Burton when opening his first shop in Chesterfield, England. The Montague Burton name apparently appealed to the British consumer: by the end of World War I the company operated some 40 shops.

The company eyed still further expansion, going public in Marketing to the rising British middle class, offering quality clothing at affordable prices, Montague Burton weathered the Depression era in style. By the outbreak of World War II Montague Burton had grown to a national chain of more than stores, with its own manufacturing facilities producing most of its goods.

Founder Burton continued to run the company until his death in ; the company's name was simplified to the Burton Group in In the post-World War II years Debenhams found itself playing catch-up in a marketplace featuring rising stars such as Marks and Spencer. One problem was the company's structure, which owed more to its 18th-century roots than to the modern commercial era. Although the company had continued to add new stores, each of its stores remained more or less independent while grouped under the Debenhams name.

Purchasing, warehousing, and other functions were performed at individual locations, rather than through a centralized source. In addition, the positioning of some of the company's stores placed them in direct competition with other Debenhams stores, cannibalizing sales. Topshop owner Arcadia goes into administration. Image source, PA Media. Staff were told the news on Tuesday morning. Is there any way back for Debenhams? What happens next? What does it mean for the High Street?

What happens to my orders? Workers returning from furlough queue outside Debenhams' flagship in Oxford Street. What about the workers? What do shoppers think? This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Are staff pensions affected? Or use this form to get in touch:. Related Topics. Published 1 December Profits declined and debts ballooned.

The chain was locked into expensive lease agreements on stores. It was rejected, and the next day Debenhams collapsed into administration for the second time in two years. A possible revival had been on the horizon, with JD Sports mulling a move to buy the chain out of administration. However, on Tuesday, JD pulled out. This article is more than 11 months old.

Founded in as a high-end draper, the retail chain prospered for more than two centuries. Quick Guide The department store crisis Show Pressure from the internet, a declining pound, rising business rates and consumption fatigue — retailers are under fire from all sides. Arcadia is the biggest operator of concessions in Debenhams stores and went into administration on November 30, In a brief statement to the London Stock Exchange, Debenhams said: "JD Sports Fashion, the leading retailer of sports, fashion and outdoor brands, confirms that discussions with the administrators of Debenhams regarding a potential acquisition of the UK business have now been terminated.

Coronavirus restrictions and the closure of non-essential shops have put immense pressure on retailers and the high street in Geoff Rowley, of FRP Advisory, joint administrator to Debenhams, said: "All reasonable steps were taken to complete a transaction that would secure the future of Debenhams.