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Original poster

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

259 replies

1stDecember · 01/12/2020 18:07

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?

OP posts:
PickAChew · 01/12/2020 22:34

Just before the first lockdown. Needed the loo.

Sheerface · 01/12/2020 22:35

Years and years ago. I am very sorry for all those working in retail who are losing their jobs currently.

I'm afraid I loathe all department stores though. The way you have to follow circuitous routes through ten different over-heated departments to get to the products you want, and then do the same to find the exit, the wierd lighting, the scary women behind the make up counters, or the opposite - searching for someone on the shop floor to assist without success, and the final torture - queuing at the cash tills. I just can't understand why anyone would want to shop in them. Not specific to Debenhams obviously.

ElizaCBennett · 01/12/2020 22:40

Our Debenhams is lovely! I went in regularly before lockdown and buy from there frequently. I shall miss them if they close.

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Frestba · 01/12/2020 22:41

Quite regularly here, smallish town. But always a bit empty inside. Apart from the cafe on a Saturday. Have definitely been in the last month. Bought teenager some Jeans. No queuing as hardly anybody else there.

AdoraBell · 01/12/2020 22:42

Probably about a year ago, maybe 2. I live in a village an hour away from the nearest town that has a Debenham store.

Dramalady52 · 01/12/2020 22:45

I found the Lincoln one too dark and cramped, Nottingham seemed a bit tired and abandoned, but used to visit the Chelmsford store regularly when I lived there. I love the manteray range and used to go in at sale times to update my wardrobe as the tops last for years and look good. Don't know what I'll do for clothes now! Blush

Inkpaperstars · 01/12/2020 22:45

I went in the Oxford Street one sometime not long before lockdown. It was horrible because it was incredibly brightly lit and the music was very loud, it was boiling too. I wanted to browse but was desperate to get out!

Gertie75 · 01/12/2020 22:46

I go at least once a month to the one in Lichfield, it's the only decent sized shop in the whole of the city centre, it'll have a huge impact when it goes because there's not much else to go there for.

Anotherlovelybitofsquirrel · 01/12/2020 22:47

Just a week before lockdown. Sadly it was shabby. The concessions were a mess and the tills were nearly all closed. I'm so sad it's gone but not surprised.

Peaseblossom22 · 01/12/2020 22:52

Probably about a year ago , the underwear dept was good, also the Phase Eight concession but as a store it’s a bit of a shambles and not a pleasant experience

Clawdy · 01/12/2020 22:53

Last time it was open. It's the only department store left in our town - not for long, sadly. We've already lost our M and S, Laura Ashley, BHS.......Nobody will want to go into the town centre soon.

Bagadverts · 01/12/2020 23:04

Pre pandemic, but I’ve generally avoided shopping centres since. I liked Maine and Mantaray so hope those brands/ranges go somewhere else. I also prefer shopping in person. It was only convenient for Debenhams because there was a physical store if I needed to return stuff.
Sorry for everyone in store and back office losing their jobs.

DipSwimSwoosh · 01/12/2020 23:06

I love Debenhams. I buy shoes, kids clothes, gifts, homeware and make up. Good quality, fair price. The restaurant was always ok too. Will miss it.

ratha · 01/12/2020 23:09

Quite recently. Between lockdowns.

I like the Hereford store but it's new and nicely laid out.

I like the home ware and kitchen stuff, the clothes less so!

Stripyhoglets1 · 01/12/2020 23:16

Quite often in Meadowhall. I bought some nice work clothes from there in the past and often got gifts from there. I think it's inevitable the big department stores will go though - people just don't shop like that anymore.

Nordman · 01/12/2020 23:20

The big store on Oxford Street is great, I shop there often pre-lockdown, but I've seen other more "local" branches that are awful. But then I used to shop in BHS and Woolies so what do I know.

CantStandMeow · 01/12/2020 23:25

The last time I spent any money in one was 10 years ago, and I think I might have ordered online. I've been in a couple of times since, for underwear and luggage. Couldn't get either. The closest shop is awful, a scruffy ghost town of misery.

GoingBackTo505 · 01/12/2020 23:33

This year before everything shut down. It was the only place that did Mac makeup in my city and if you have 6 empty products and take them to an actual counter, you get a free lipstick. I doubt that's something you can do online. I often used their baby changing too. I'm quite sad to see it go.

NoBloodyHolly · 01/12/2020 23:41

Not long ago actually! About 6 months? But only because I wanted to buy a specific brand of make up and my local Debenhams was the nearest place to buy it. Conveniently this make up counter is the one nearest the door, so I don’t need to spend too long in there!

I did venture further last Christmas to find my husband some new shoes. It was like a bloody jumble sale in there. Nightmare!

TramaDollface · 01/12/2020 23:47

They’re always empty and dark with seas of polyester and everything seems to be targeted either at toddlers or grannies.

I loved it years ago.... to be honest I hate most department stores and never go in any of them.

At least John Lewis has a buzz and is bright ... Debenhams always seems deserted

mum11970 · 01/12/2020 23:57

Last week.

justasking111 · 02/12/2020 00:04

@Stripyhoglets1

Quite often in Meadowhall. I bought some nice work clothes from there in the past and often got gifts from there. I think it's inevitable the big department stores will go though - people just don't shop like that anymore.
That is true people do not want to shop like that anymore. I love Cheshire Oaks can spend a day there because it is small shops. You want trainers go to a trainer shop, handbag go to a handbag shop everything easier to find. I can then have a nice lunch rest my feet and carry on shopping. I just get overwhelmed in places like Debenhams when all I want is one type of item.
BogRollBOGOF · 02/12/2020 00:27

I used to go a lot in my 20s for work clothes and wedding outfits. In my 30s, I've had little need for either. Bought some Mantaray when the DCs were little (7 &9) and baby clothes, but I just haven't needed what they sell in the last 5 years.

DH has it on his repetoire when he does a shop for shirts and jumpers every couple of years.

Our branch was in a modern shopping complex so airy and bright.
Probably extoripnate on their rents though.

ImaSababa · 02/12/2020 00:30

About six years ago. It was like a bloody jumble sale. Messy as hell, and awful tacky wares.

Sarahandduck18 · 02/12/2020 00:37

I go in a few time’s a year- kids clothes, home ware, the odd toy, shoes, skincare, Xmas gifts and I like the cafe.

I’ll really miss it.