Debenhams confirms final closing dates for 52 stores -…

Debenhams confirms final closing dates for 52 stores - see the full list

Debenhams has confirmed the final closing dates for 52 stores in England and Wales as it prepares to exit the high street for good.

The 242-year-old retailer had already announced when 27 of its remaining 97 stores would shut in an update last week.

But it has now said when another 25 branches will close its doors.

It means the last opening date for 45 of its shops are still to be confirmed, although they are expected to close their doors by May 15.

The first remaining branches will shut from May 2 as shops continue to run up to 80% off sales to clear stock.

Debenhams also plans to briefly reopen its remaining four stores in Northern Ireland from April 30 before they shut for good by May 15.

The iconic 242-year-old retailer was bought by Boohoo last year (AFP via Getty Images)

The department store will operate online-only when stores permanently close their doors after being bought by Boohoo in January this year in a deal worth £55million.

The purchase only included the Debenhams name and website, but not its physical stores.

The deal also put 12,000 jobs at the company at risk, although it is not clear at this stage how many of these roles have been saved by Boohoo.

Debenhams had 118 stores when the Boohoo deal was confirmed, although it had already confirmed the closure of six branches including its flagship Oxford Street store.

It also didn’t reopen its 15 Scotland stores after lockdown.

JD Sports was previously tipped to save the retail giant, but it pulled out of rescue talks after news of Arcadia's collapse broke.

For its final closing down sale, Debenhams said its stores have been made Covid-secure, with hygiene and social distancing measures in place.

Its shops had been shut for the last three months, alongside all non-essential retail, due to the third national lockdown, although they could still offer online shopping.

A spokesperson for Debenhams said: “With such great bargains on offer, it’s no wonder our stock is selling out incredibly fast.”

Debenhams stores closing on May 2: