Debenhams announce 22 store closures and Barrow is not on the list

Debenhams has named 22 of the 50 stores it plans to close and the Barrow store has not yet been named.

The retailer says the store closures will start next year and 1,200 staff will be affected by the first phase.

A list of the 22 stores announced today which are set close next year can be seen below, at the moment Barrow is not on the list.

The new owners include Barclays and Bank of Ireland, as well as US investment firms.

Terry Duddy, Debenhams Executive Chairman said: "Debenhams has a clear strategy and a bright future, but in order for the business to prosper, we need to restructure the group's store portfolio and its balance sheet, which are not appropriate for today's much changed retail environment.

"Our priority is to save as many stores and as many jobs as we can, while making the business fit for the future."

Debenhams stores expected to close in 2020:

• Altrincham

• Ashford

• Birmingham Fort

• Canterbury

• Chatham

• Eastbourne

• Folkestone

• Great Yarmouth

• Guildford

• Kirkcaldy

• Orpington

• Slough

• Southport

• Southsea

• Staines

• Stockton

• Walton

• Wandsworth

• Welwyn Garden City

• Wimbledon

• Witney

• Wolverhampton