The old Debenhams stores in Bromley, Orpington and Eltham

Debenhams was a department store that was prominent on many high streets across the UK, selling everything from beauty to homeware and clothing.

The department store was first founded in 1778, growing from one to 178 stores during a 170-year period.

However, the businesses began to experience financial difficulty in 2019, when it went into a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in a bid to save the business, leading to the closure of 22 stores in January 2020.

In 2020 the businesses went into administration again, as the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions forced its remaining 142 shops to close.

In December 2020, Debenhams went into liquidation, with its remaining 28 stores closing by May 15, 2021, since when the brand has continued to trade online under new ownership.

Eltham

Located at number 113 Eltham High Street, the former Debenhams closed in January 2018 after fears that the business wouldn’t be “profitable” any more, according to a statement issued by Debenhams at the time.

The unit was later taken over by TK Maxx, who opened its Eltham branch in the former Debenhams in October 2018, spanning two floors.

Orpington

Located in Unit 14 of the Nugent Shopping Centre, the Debenhams Orpington branch officially closed in 2019, and was one of the 22 stores that closed in 2019 when the company went into a CVA.

The unit was then taken over by Boots, who opened a new branch in the former unit in March 2021.

Debenhams in Nugent Shopping Park, Orpington (Image: Google)

Bromley

Located in Unit 262 in The Glades in Bromley, the Debenhams spanned over two floors.

The store was among one of the last 28 stores across the UK to close on May 15, 2021.

Since then, the unit has remained shut and has not been reopened since its closure eighteen months ago.

It’s currently not known what the future of the former Debenhams unit will be, although News Shopper has contacted the Glades for future updates.