Debenhams has ignited a high street battle by promising more than £200 million of pre-Christmas price cuts.

From Wednesday, tens of thousands of items will be reduced in a “three-day spectacular”.

Women's clothing prices will be cut by more than 65 per cent while some gift sets will be sold at half price.

The department store aims to draw in shoppers while lifting customers' spirits.

Debenhams chief executive Michael Sharp said: “It's our job to lift the public's spirits and that's what our Christmas spectacular aims to do.”

However, critics warn smaller retailers may be squeezed out of the competition, as they cannot offer the same level of discounting.

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