The department store on The Moor shut its doors for good on Saturday, May 15, along with branches across the UK, bringing down the final curtain on the chain’s 242 year history.
Discounts of up to 80 per cent had been offered in an attempt to clear the stock, and the store was reduced to a jumble sale as shoppers flocked to take advantage.
These photos of the final day’s trading capture the last throes of the former high street giant’s sad demise, with customers searching amid empty shelves for one last bargain.
They were taken by Linda Millar, who like many Sheffielders has fond memories of shopping there in years gone by.
She recalled visiting the store to buy new outfits for job interviews, and getting clothes for her son.
It was announced in February that all 118 stores would close permanently and 12,000 staff would be made redundant, after rescue talks failed.
Debenhams, which employed more than 20,000 people before the pandemic, sold its brand and website to online giant Boohoo for £55 million in January but confirmed its bricks and mortar business would close for good.
The new owner of The Moor, property company NewRiver, has suggested the building could be flattened and redeveloped.
1. Hunt for bargains
Shoppers scour boxes for bargains on the last day of trading at Debenhams on The Moor in Sheffield Photo: Linda Millar
3. Big discounts
There were big discounts available on the last day of trading at Debenhams on The Moor in Sheffield Photo: Linda Millar
4. Empty racks
Empty racks on the last day of trading at Debenhams on The Moor in Sheffield Photo: Linda Millar