Debenhams is axing 2,500 staff across its stores and warehouses as the business grapples to reduce its cost base.
Retail Week can reveal that the embattled department store chain is scrapping the roles of sales manager, visual merchandise manager and selling support manager as it streamlines its shopfloor teams.
All affected staff are currently on furlough and will leave the business at the end of this week. They were informed of the decision this morning.
The job losses are the latest blow to the retail sector, which has been ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic.
Last week alone, WHSmith revealed details of a restructuring plan that has put 1,500 jobs at risk, while Dixons Carphone will slash 800 jobs in an overhaul of its store management teams.
Around 380 roles were also lost at M&Co, though a pre-pack administration deal saved 2,200 jobs.
In May, Retail Week revealed that Debenhams was closing its five shops in Hammerson-owned shopping centres, including Birmingham’s Bullring, Silverburn in Glasgow and the Oracle, in Reading, with the loss of 1,400 jobs.
Debenhams has, however, reopened 124 stores since lockdown eased and insisted those stores were trading “ahead of management expectations” as it battles to transform its fortunes after slumping into administration in April.
A Debenhams spokesman said: “The trading environment is clearly a long way from returning to normal and we have to ensure our store costs are aligned with realistic expectations.
“Those colleagues affected by redundancy have been informed and we are very grateful to them for their service and commitment to Debenhams.
“Such difficult decisions are being taken by many retailers right now and we will continue to take all necessary steps to give Debenhams every chance of a viable future.”
No comments yet