Disappointment over closure of Debenhams store in Scarborough
The President of Scarborough's Chamber of Trade has given her reaction to Debenhams in Scarborough set to close permanently.
Debenhams in Scarborough is set to close permanently.
It is as fashion retailer Boohoo has bought the brand and website for £55 million and wants to relaunch the collapsed company online only.
It means its remaining 118 shops, like the Brunswick Centre in Scarborough, will shut.
It leaves more than 10,000 staff across the country facing possible redundancy.
Janet Jefferson, President of Scarborough's Chamber of Trade, said:
"Very, very disappointed I think on the score. I think we all thought that the Debenhams in Scarborough would manage to survive because it's one of their favourites and best stores throughout the country. Going online to buy Debenham products is a complete change of lifestyle for some people. I think a lot of people will be disappointed.
"Without mentioning any names, I think there are some big groups which could be interested. It's a prominent site with a two-floor aspect and entrance. The Brunswick Shopping Centre is very, very popular with excellent footfall so hopefully within the next month or so, we should see some interest in this.
"I'm genuinely pleased throughout Scarborough looking at some of the shops that have become vacant that there are take-up of these. So I'm confident that we hopefully will get a good department store in there."