Devastating blow for East Kilbride Debenhams staff as store faces closure

pThe future of Debenhams in East Kilbride hangs in the balance yet again./p pAdministrators confirmed last-ditch efforts to rescue the ailing department store chain had failed in a bitter blow for staff just weeks before Christmas./p pIt would mean all 12,000 employees would be likely to lose their jobs if the chain#x2019;s 124 shops cease trading./p pDebenhams fell into administration for the second time in April and hopes had rested on a rescue bid from JD Sports./p p The flagship Centre West store #x2013; which opened nearly 20 years ago #x2013; a data-content-type=news data-link-tracking=InArticle|Link href=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/boost-ek-east-kilbride-debenhams-22033083was given a reprieve in May after a deal was secured with the town centre landlord to stay put./a /p pBut in a devastating statement released yesterday the administrators said the outlook for a restructured operation was #x201C;highly uncertain#x201D; and they had therefore #x201C;regretfully concluded#x201D; that they should start winding down Debenhams UK, while continuing to seek offers for all or parts of the business./p pGeoff Rowley of FRP Advisory, joint administrator to Debenhams and Partner at FRP, said: #x201C;All reasonable steps were taken to complete a transaction that would secure the future of Debenhams./p p#x201C;However, the economic landscape is extremely challenging and, coupled with the uncertainty facing the UK retail industry, a viable deal could not be reached.#x201D;/p pThe retailer had already cut about 6500 jobs since May as it struggled to stay afloat./p pAdministrators say Debenhams will continue to trade through its 124 UK stores and online to clear its current and contracted stocks./p p#xA0;It comes just hours after Topshop owner Arcadia collapsed into administration, putting 13,000 jobs at risk with a Topshop in Centre West also./p pLabour MSP Monica Lennon described the Debenhams#x2019; announcement as a #x201C;major blow#x201D;./p pShe added: #x201C;My immediate thoughts are with those who work in the East Kilbride store. It is crucial anchor store for our town centre and its loss would have a devastating impact on jobs and footfall.#x201D;/p pA spokesman for EK, East Kilbride, said; #x201C;The recent news about Debenhams is very concerning for employees across the country./p p#x201C;We have worked closely with the retailer for some time to try and help them succeed in these extremely difficult times, however, it is clear the pressures of the coronavirus pandemic and other factors have had a devastating impact on the retailer./p p#x201C;Although the EK store is clearly impacted by this announcement it is scheduled to reopen on December 12 following the lifting of the current Level 4 restrictions.#x201D;/p