Debenhams Set to Create Thousands of New Jobs

Debenhams intends to build 17 new stores across the UK over the next five years, creating 1,700 new jobs.
The 17 new stores in the pipeline include Cheshire Oaks (Chester), Fort Kinnaird (Edinburgh), Beverley (East Yorkshire), Wandsworth (London), Scunthorpe (North Lincolnshire), Darlington (County Durham), Newport (Wales) and Shrewsbury (Shropshire).

Debenhams has also created 6,500 roles in the run up to Christmas, and has received an extraordinary 150,000 applications so far.

Figures released from leading, multi-channel brand for the 52 weeks to September 2012 showed another strong set of results with highlights including total sales up 2.6%, like-for-like sales up 2.3%, online sales up 39.8% and profit up before tax up 4.2% to £158.3m.

Debenhams has also invested in stronger marketing by continuing with its highly successful ‘Life Made Fabulous’ ad campaign.

The retailer’s new store and modernisation programme demonstrates the retailer’s commitment to reinvigorating the British high street with bricks and mortar stores alongside its investment in online sales.
Debenhams will also continue its successful international expansion, with 20 stores planned over the next four years in locations including Bulgaria, Estonia, Egypt and Turkey. The number of countries the retailer delivers online orders to outside the UK will increase by another 30 countries to 96.