Shoppers are queuing outside Nottingham's iconic Debenhams building as it holds a closing down sale before it shuts for good.
The high street retailer, which was purchased by online-only fashion giant Boohoo for £55m, announced all stores across the country would be opening from April 12, as lockdown eases, to sell off remaining stocks.
The chain has stores in Nottingham, which has stood as a cornerstone in the city centre for almost 50 years, as well as Mansfield.
Retail experts said the closures of the stores will be a "huge blow" for the city.
And city centre shoppers on April 12 were left saddened by its closure.
Pam Farrar, now retired, 74 and cleaner Janice Ratcliffe, 73, said they are are ‘heartbroken’ to see their beloved store Debenhams close.
Ms Farrar said: “We lost too many shops in Nottingham, so many memories that were taken away from us.”
Ms Ratcliffe added: “I’m heartbroken. We need our stores back, we need some tasteful retail shops and buildings that are not flats."
Architecture student at University of Nottingham, Judy Zhu, 24, added: “I have two assignments which are due soon, and this is the only time I’ve got to visit Debenhams for the last time.
“I’ll make most of the sales. It’s sad to see it go.”
Mandy and Antonio Fileccia, have visited their beloved store for the last time before it will be shut for good.
Mandy, 59, was queuing outside Debenhams and said: “It’s such a shame to see it go."
Antonio, 62, added: “It’s tinged with sadness. This is a great store and it will leave a massive gap behind.”
After a long-running saga and talks of last-minute deals to save the brand, online clothing giant Boohoo confirmed in January it has bought the Debenhams brand for £55 million and will relaunch the department store as an online-only operation.
It meant all of the shops would close.
The huge Debenhams store overlooking Old Market Square in Nottingham has been a landmark in the city since 1846 when it was established by Griffin & Spalding.
They were bought by Debenhams in 1944, although the Griffin & Spalding name was retained until 1973 when it changed to Debenhams as part of a national re-branding scheme.
It's been a busy start to the day as shoppers also queued for stores in Nottingham city centre.
Queues were also seen at Primark, Zara, Foot Locker and JD Sports on Monday morning.
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