Mansfield business chiefs welcome news that town’s Debenhams is not closing

Debenhams says it has struck deals with landlords to keep most of its 142 stores open after it fell into administration last week and the store in the Four Seasons has been confirmed as being one of them.

A spokesman for Mansfield BID said: “The weekend is here and so happy to report that although Debenhams are closing many of their branches, our Four Seasons Shopping Centre is not losing Debenhams.

“It proves that Mansfield is a place for all and they have absolute confidence in Mansfield town centre.

“The future plans that will shape our town centre keeping our love for Mansfield louder and prouder then ever before.

“At Mansfield BID we know all our businesses personally and work tirelessly for every one of them. They will need your support now more than ever.”

Debenhams has agreed terms on 120 branches and is in "advanced" talks on the remainder of its estate, it added.

Chief executive Stefaan Vansteenkiste said: "I'm delighted with the progress we are making with our landlord discussions, which reflects the pragmatic view the vast majority of them are taking of the current market conditions.

"We have agreed terms on the vast majority of our UK stores and talks are proceeding positively on the remainder, positioning us to reopen these stores when government regulations permit.

"Regrettably we have been unable to reach agreement on seven stores and these will not be reopening, and I'd like to express my thanks to our colleagues in these stores at what I know is a difficult time for everyone."

The stores which will not reopen are:

Truro

Stratford-upon-Avon

Salisbury

Westfield, west London

Warrington

Leamington Spa

South Shields

Debenhams is currently in what it describes as a "light touch" administration to protect it from legal action from creditors while its department stores are closed.

The retailer is still trading online "normally" while its shops are closed.

It has furloughed the majority of its staff who are being paid under the government's coronavirus job retention scheme which pays 80% of a worker's salary up to £2,500 a month.