10 fond memories of Debenhams as final stores shut after 243 years

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:

However, for some users the closures were far closer to home:

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.