29th May 2008 09:00
29 May 2008
DEBENHAMS plc
OPENING OF FLAGSHIP LIVERPOOL STORE
Debenhams plc, the leading department stores group, is pleased to announce the opening its new 130,000 square feet flagship store in Liverpool today.
The new store, which is one of Debenhams' largest, spans four levels and is located in the brand new Liverpool ONE development in the heart of the city.
The opening of Debenhams' first Liverpool store also marks the launch of a new concept for the Home department. This has been developed to build on the existing homeware offering and will provide higher fashion and design content, feature more product ranges from Designers at Debenhams and an easier shopping experience for customers through its layout. The new store also includes the largest Menswear department outside London and one of the largest Childrenswear departments.
Debenhams Liverpool has created some 500 jobs in the city, including 300 in the store which could increase to as many as 700 at peak times such as Christmas. Debenhams worked in partnership with Shop for Jobs to ensure as many people as possible had the chance of applying for and gaining jobs in Liverpool's booming retail sector.
Rob Templeman, Chief Executive said:
"We are delighted to be opening a flagship store in Liverpool, the 2008 European Capital of Culture. The Liverpool ONE development is in itself a statement of the city's thriving retail environment and we look forward to being part of this exciting stage in Liverpool's development. We are also pleased to launch our new concept Home department today, which we believe will offer our customers even better choice and quality homeware products."
Kevin O'Donovan, Liverpool Store Manager said:
"The new store offers a great choice for customers across all of our divisions. We look forward to working with the new team in establishing this flagship store as a leading retail destination in Liverpool and creating an enjoyable shopping experience for our customers."
Ends
Enquiries
Debenhams plc
Lisa Williams, Investor Relations 020 7408 3304
Financial Dynamics
Jonathon Brill 020 7269 7170
Caroline Stewart 020 7269 7227
High resolution images of the Liverpool store are available for media to view and download free of charge from www.prshots.com/Debenhams.
Notes to Editors
Debenhams is a leading department stores group with a strong presence in key product categories, such as womenswear, menswear, homeware and health and beauty.
Debenhams has a total of 137 department stores in the UK and Republic Ireland and 10 Desire by Debenhams stores, which are a new small store concept featuring a mix of womenswear, accessories, lingerie, cosmetics and childrenswear. Debenhams has a further 39 international franchise stores in 15 countries and an online store, www.debenhams.com, through which much of the Debenhams range is available.
Debenhams is the second largest department store chain in the UK.
Designers at Debenhams include Ted Baker, Jasper Conran, Theo Fennell, Pearce Fionda, Frost French, Betty Jackson, Ben de Lisi, Julien Macdonald, John Richmond, John Rocha and Matthew Williamson.
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