Goodbye, Debenhams. We will miss you from our high streets.
That’s right, after 243 years as a stalwart of Britain’s towns and cities, the department store is shutting its final branches for good.
The popular retailer closed its remaining 28 outlets on Saturday after the company collapsed following years of slumping sales.
The enforced closure of sites during the coronavirus pandemic was the final straw, pushing the business into administration within weeks of the virus sweeping the UK.
As the curtain is drawn on more than two centuries’ of history, Twitter users have shared fond memories of the one-time shopping giant.
Here’s a glimpse at their nostalgic reflections as the nation bids Debenhams a fond farewell:
Farewell Debenhams! You gave me my first ever Saturday job, at the grand old Broadmead palace of retail in Bristol.… https://t.co/yr09u2HvAV— Dr Linda Ruth Williams (@Dr Linda Ruth Williams) 1621064500
“The store was like family” Julie and Glenis have worked at Debenhams since the 1970s, this weekend the department… https://t.co/efA9JtklzO— BBC Breakfast (@BBC Breakfast) 1621064400
« I am sure madam would like the matching handbag and hat. And don’t forget the all important shoe trees ». My sale… https://t.co/ji8YZPPXyq— Robert Peston (@Robert Peston) 1621066071
Early Saturday morning. I’ve always loved it – market stalls, book shops, coffee shops – before the crowds. As a ki… https://t.co/1jWT2LIx0c— Michael Walters 🦌📝🛰 (@Michael Walters 🦌📝🛰) 1621058844
Can't believe as of today Debenhams will no longer be on the high street 💔 My first job was working in the Reading… https://t.co/rrIQzJ8O5W— Liam Heneghan (@Liam Heneghan) 1621064616
Absolutely heartbreaking to see the shutters coming down on the last Debenhams stores .. my Mum worked there for 35… https://t.co/TAuZdgblYy— Mike Parry (@Mike Parry) 1621015042
Although I left months ago, seeing the imminent closure of Debenhams is so sad to see, I worked 7 years there and a… https://t.co/YBmgnglwn0— amy (@amy) 1620503790
I worked at #Debenhams from the age of 16 until I got my first proper legal job. I learnt so many invaluable skills… https://t.co/ipuqvIWXqj— Emma Robson (@Emma Robson) 1620852767
As promised, some more brilliant fashion from the #Debenhams archive. Any guesses what year this is from?… https://t.co/ezRNdT6Dom— Ben Thompson (@Ben Thompson) 1620970468
@BBCBreakfast More #Debenhams nostalgia on the way at 0820 on @BBCBreakfast as the firm closes its doors for the la… https://t.co/nKXeaN7Wap— Ben Thompson (@Ben Thompson) 1620975660
However, for some users the closures were far closer to home:
Good morning folks.The day has finally arrived. My last shift at work, as the remaining 28 Debenhams stores close t… https://t.co/d4KFeC0otd— Jan (@Jan) 1621060007
13 years ago they were building our brand new Debenhams store. Yesterday it closed its doors for good. Such sad tim… https://t.co/AGXfIYZxIJ— Not Called Jake (@Not Called Jake) 1620585953
In #Sunderland for filming with ITV this morning, where the Debenhams store closes today. My biggest takeaway is th… https://t.co/LE7Zgd2K9T— Graham Soult FIPM (@Graham Soult FIPM) 1620465836
As the final Debenhams stores close their doors this weekend after more than 200 years on our high streets, I’ve be… https://t.co/T2cuWGVxqj— Ben Thompson (@Ben Thompson) 1620937731
Today, I saw a video of the staff leaving the Carlisle store for the very last time, many of whom I worked with. It… https://t.co/efBR0nHBbF— Emma Robson (@Emma Robson) 1620852768
The retailer, which employed more than 20,000 people before the pandemic, sold its brand and website to online giant Boohoo for £55 million in January but confirmed its bricks and mortar business would close for good.
It reopened sites from April 12 after the return of essential retail in order to clear stock across its stores.
Here’s a list of the final stores to close on May 15:
Basildon
Basingstoke
Belfast
Birmingham Bullring
Brighton
Bristol
Bromley
Cardiff
Chelmsford
Cheshire Oaks
Colchester
Coventry
Exeter
Hanley
Lakeside
Leeds White Rose
Liverpool
Manchester
Manchester Trafford
Meadowhall
Merry Hill
Newcastle
Newry
Plymouth
Romford
Rushmere
Sheffield
Swansea
Despite the sadness, one thing’s for sure: Debenhams will live on in the hearts and memories of all who shopped and worked there.