Debenhams has dealt a hammer blow to high streets and staff by announcing 22 store closures, but Primark eased some pain by revealing plans to open a wave of branches.
The cull at Debenhams is expected to result in up to 1,200 job losses.
Primark’s expansion is likely to create 2,000 jobs next year.
Debenhams warned of more gloom by saying: “Further store closures to be confirmed in due course.”
Bosses have already admitted they want to shut around 50 of its 166 branches in an attempt to slash costs.
The initial 22 stores are expected to close early next year.
Towns set to lose their Debenhams include Southport in Merseyside, Altrincham in Gtr Manchester, Stockton-on-Tees in Co Durham, and Chatham in Kent.
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The closures are planned as part of a proposed Company Voluntary Arrangement, a process that has been used by other chains to axe branches.
Debenhams is asking landlords of the 22 stores to halve the rent bill between now and the closures.
Owners of another 105 branches are also being urged to agree big rent reductions. If landlords fail to back the plans, Debenhams could go bust.
Executive chairman Terry Duddy said: “Debenhams has... a bright future, but for the business to prosper, we need to restructure the store portfolio and balance sheet, which are not appropriate for today’s… retail environment.”
The retail firm went into a pre-pack administration this month, wiping out the stakes of all shareholders including Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley.
It is now controlled by banks and hedge funds.
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Debenhams announced yesterday that in the 26 weeks to March 2, sales at its UK stores slumped 7.4%, with profits down 36.6% to £65.9million.
The GMB union said the store closures are “devastating” for employees, adding: “It’s time the Government stopped bickering over Brexit and did something to stem retail job losses.”
The Mirror’s High Street Fightback campaign has highlighted the plight of towns.
Primark’s half-year profits rose 25% to £426million.
George Weston, chief executive of the budget fashion chain’s owner Associated British Foods, said: “We are very much a high street retailer.”
