Debenhams in Sheffield reopening date announced as cafes are axed

The reopening of the shops on the Moor and in Meadowhall comes as the Government allows non-essential shops to start trading again under loosened lockdown restrictions.

A total of 50 stores will reopen in England on June 15, with the rest to follow later in the week.

However, earlier this week it was announced that all restaurants and cafes at Debenhams, which went into administration for the second time in a year in April, would not reopen with the rest of the stores, and that many would be permanently closed down.

This news means the loss of hundreds of jobs up and down the country, with employees claiming they were given no notice and their furlough pay has been stopped.

Preparations for reopening are well under way, with strict social distancing and hygiene procedures being implemented across all stores in adherence with the latest Government guidance and instruction.

Stores in Scotland and Wales will reopen once government restrictions allow.

Steven Cook, Managing Director, Debenhams, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming customers back to our stores in the coming weeks. From the installation of perspex screens at till points to the roll-out of social distancing procedures and PPE, we have been working hard to ensure our colleagues and customers can work and shop with confidence.

“Our reopening plans follow the successful conclusion of lease negotiations on 120 stores, meaning that the vast majority of our stores will be reopening.”