Find local news in Kent

Home   Medway   News   Article

Inside Debenhams in Chatham during last days of trading

06:00, 15 January 2020

updated: 21:09, 15 January 2020

In the dying days of Debenhams, a fair number of customers searched the rails for last-minute bargains.

The store in Chatham will officially close for the last time at 3pm today, leaving the prime location in the High Street empty ahead of an uncertain future.

Shoppers speak to KMTV about the loss of another Debenhams store

It was all hands on deck on yesterday in the sparse department store with staff busy moving fixtures and fittings and taking stock of what was left.

Those entering the store were greeted with huge banners proclaiming massive discounts and a countdown saying, "Last two days".

Punters queued at the tills armed with bargains, some being able to score as much as 80% off some clothes, whilst young men moved racks, tables, display cabinets and office draws into one large area where they could be purchased for as little as £5.

Many beauty counters lay empty with staff taking stock of what was left.
Many beauty counters lay empty with staff taking stock of what was left.

Some designer brand clothing such as Star by Julien Macdonald were being sold off for half price.

Last month, bargain-savvy brides were able to buy wedding gowns for £20 in the store.

WATCH: Debenhams in Chatham begins to shut up shop on penultimate day

The top floor restaurant was closed off to the public leaving what was left of the womenswear, kidwear, menswear and homeware sections up for grabs.

Beauty counters lay mostly empty with staff picking the last of the designer lipsticks off the shelves.

The vast amount of space laying empty makes one wonder what the store could be used for.

It has not yet been announced what the plans for the shop will be.

The Chatham branch joins Ashford, Folkestone and Canterbury in the list of Debenhams in Kent which are due to close, with all three due to shut up shop this Sunday.

Cinema plans have emerged for the Folkestone store, and rumours of a Primark setting up in the Ashford site have also circulated.

They are among 22 stores to close across the country.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Kent

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More