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Debenhams in Oxford Street, London
RETAIL union Usdaw called on the government to save Britain’s high streets after Debenhams’ new owners announced they would not retain any of the firm’s stores or staff today.
Online fashion retailer Boohoo has bought the chain’s brand and website for £55 million but confirmed the “transformational” deal did not include Debenhams’ 118 stores, a key “anchor” in many towns and cities’ high streets, putting 12,000 jobs at immediate risk.
The business was already in the process of closing down after administrators failed to secure a rescue deal for the 242-year-old chain following the collapse of Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia Group in November.
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Incoming Usdaw general secretary JOANNE THOMAS talks to Ben Chacko about workers’ rights, Labour and how to arrest the decline of the high street