Debenhams to make redundancies across fashion and homewares divisions
As part of efforts to cut costs at its fashion and homewares divisions, the Debenhams department store chain has begun consultations with staff regarding the potential loss of at least 80 to 90 jobs.
The retailer is in talks with some 200 buyers, merchandisers and other team members across the divisions.
The move is part of a large scale restructuring previously announced by Debenhams as it works to turn around its struggling business.
Regarding the current potential job cuts, Debenhams said: “We announced our intention to restructure our business around three business units: beauty and beauty services, fashion and home, and food and events earlier this year.
“Our work to create a simplified and consistent structure across these units, reducing complexity and driving efficiency in order to deliver our Debenhams Redesigned strategy is continuing.”
The retailer is attempting to make £10 million worth of cost savings in the current financial year and £20 million each year thereafter.
In June Debenhams issued a profit warning as it reported that like-for-like sales fell by 1.7% in the 15 weeks to 16 June. At the time the retailer said it would be accelerating activity to reduce its cost base.
