When's the last time you went in an actual Debenham's store?

[1stDecember]

It was half a decade ago for me. I don't buy from them online either.

They don't seem to have moved with the times?

About eight years ago. After being wholly ignored by the few staff scattered around the place even when I started picking up what I wanted to buy from the multiple unattended beauty counters for one time too many, I gave up and never went back.

Prior to that, it was my favourite in my town as the guy behind the Chanel counter was brilliant, the MAC staff were super professional and the tiny lingerie department upstairs, tucked away behind five fake palms and a coin operated fire engine was staffed by somebody who knew what she was doing. OK, I couldn't/wouldn't buy other clothes or shoes there, much less household items, but I could still get old fashioned makeup counter staff, so I'd spend hundreds nonetheless.

I suppose Debenhams decided they didn't want my money that much.

well, when they announced it was closing, I said to dh I should nip in and look for bargains.

He gave me a look.
Ours apparently shut in the first round of closures about 3 years ago, and I hadn't noticed!

It used to be our carpark cut through as well. Then they closed that route (I think too much stock went out of the back door) but I but the footfall fell dramatically, and I bet some of those people stopped and bought.

My very first full time job was in Debenhams, 1991-1992, Staines branch. I flogged electrical items in a concession.
My department was on the third floor, but our stockroom was in the basement. Bloody ridiculous, it took so long to get any stock that the customers used to get bored and wander off. Hated that job, couldn't wait to leave; it put me off working in retail for life.
As for the last time I went in to a branch, it was a few months ago, in the summer. Very hot day and we were in Hastings for a day out. DD was too hot in her leggings, so I said I'd nip into the town and grab a cheap pair of shorts. Went into Debenhams, their 'selection' of kid's shorts was practically non-existent, and what they did have was really overpriced. There was also no-one in there except me. I left and went to New Look instead, (lots of shorts and cheap as chips!).
I'm not really surprised they've finally gone under, but it's a shame the Oxford St store can't stay - that one is actually quite good.

What a shame it has fallen so out of favour, maybe it depends what city you live in and what other choice you have, it is only one of 2 department stores in my city so I always popped in.
Bought Fiorelli handbags, Maine, Principles and Manteray labels and Lancôme perfumes and to the threading chair.
It has had the feel of being run down in recent times though which is a shame, as has unfortunately HofF so I expect that will also go.
People do not seem to like department stores anymore and they are often very quiet.
I do like a good department store and am not the demographic for Primark, H&M or New Look so there are not many places for women over 40 unless you go to Next or M&S.

My local branch was opened by Jason Donovan, must have been around 1990. It was exciting to have such a 'destination' shop in town then but it looks a bit run down these days.

My local Debenhams (Truro) is as built in 2008 and only had stuff aimed for women in it. No kids or men. Just make up, bras lingerie, women's clothes and Christmas gift sets. Sometimes these were aimed at men but not really

@fridgepants

It's the only department store in the town I grew up in - stuff like Primark and H+M have opened since then, but until about 2010 it was one of the few places to get clothes that weren't aimed at teens, and the only place to get makeup that wasn't Boots 17.

I expect there are a lot of towns that will be like that.

Yes this is exactly the same in my town. Losing debenhams will be a huge loss. We have little else.

I’ve just received a big box as part of my large order.
4 items aren’t mine!!