A popular Perth store has avoided the axe amid concerns over its future.
Debenhams announced the closure of 22 stores across the UK on Friday, April 26 as part of a wider plan to close 50 stores in total.
The struggling department store chain has been rescued by its lenders in recent times after falling into administration and, as a result, further store closures are set to be announced later in the year.
The retailer says the store closures will start next year and a total of 1200 staff will be affected by the first phase.
Perth and North Perthshire MP, Pete Wishart, has cautiously welcomed the news that the Perth branch has survived the first phase of closures.
Upon hearing the news, he said: “I am pleased to see that the Debenhams store in Perth has not been included as part of these closure plans and I will continue to do everything I can to convince Debenhams management of the need to retain this store in Perth.
“Their store in Perth is in a prime location and would be a real blow if it were to close – both in terms of jobs and the empty site it would potentially leave behind.
“I will be engaging with Debenhams management to see what commitments we can secure from them going forward and I hope to be able to convene another meeting of city centre traders in the very near future.”
Wishart, who has previous hosted meetings with John Swinney MSP and Perth city traders, has also called on the High Street chain to ensure that the Perth shop remains a viable business.
Swinney added: “Following a period of sustained pressure, I am pleased that Debenhams have confirmed that their Perth store will remain open.
“I will now be seeking concrete assurances from Debenhams that the store will continue to operate in the longer term.
“It is only through this commitment that employees can truly feel safe in the knowledge that their job is secure.”
The PA reported earlier this month that Perth locals warned Debenhams bosses that closing the store would have a “devastating impact” on the city centre with one shopper said it would be like “ripping the heart out of Perth”.
The Perth branch is continuing to trade, but concerns remain about its future.
