Boohoo buys Debenhams but all stores will close. (PA) Online fashion retailer Boohoo has bought the Debenhams brand and website for £55 million in a deal that will see the brand operate as an online-only retailer from next year. Bosses confirmed the deal will not include stores as part of the structured winding down of the business. Debenhams were hit by a fall in sales amid the coronavirus pandemic and confirmed plans for the winding down of operations in December after rescue talks with JD Sports fell through. But with stores closing across the 242-year-old brand, it is unlikely many of the remaining 12,000 jobs will be saved.
DEBENHAMS - which has a department store in Weymouth town centre - has been rescued in a buyout deal today - but branches will still close. Online fashion retailer Boohoo has bought the Debenhams brand and website for £55 million in a deal that will see the eponymous department store name survive, but the company’s remaining 118 stores close for good.
Debenhams in Weymouth Picture: Michael Taylor The deal will see Debenhams products sold by Boohoo from later this year, allowing enough time for liquidators to continue closing the retailer’s sites once they are allowed to reopen after Covid-19 lockdown restrictions are lifted.