BRADFORD BID manager Jonny Noble says it was not a surprise to see Debenhams closing for good, but feels sorry for its employees.

Debenhams, which has a large branch at The Broadway, Bradford, will shut all of its 118 stores nationwide after being bought out by online retailer Boohoo in a £55 million deal.

The high street chain was one of the original stores at the Bradford shopping centre when it opened in November 2015.

The deal will see Debenhams products sold by Boohoo from early next year, allowing enough time for liquidators to continue closing the retailer's sites once they are allowed to reopen after Covid-19 lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Debenhams at The Broadway, Bradford Debenhams at The Broadway, Bradford

Mr Noble said: “It’s obviously a great disappointment that the administrators have been unable to find a rescue package for Debenhams’ physical stores and that so many people have lost their jobs as a result of the company’s failure.

“Our first thoughts are for all those employees and their families; we’re desperately sorry to see any retail staff losing their source of income but it must be particularly hard for them in these difficult times.

“It’s not really a surprise, however, as it seemed very likely that Debenhams would not re-open after the lockdown.”

Mr Noble added businesses will have to work hard to attract shoppers to return once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

He added: “The pandemic has had a serious impact on town and city centre retail across the country and businesses will have to work very hard to get back on their feet once restrictions are lifted.

“They won’t be able to achieve that on their own and the BID is working on initiatives to support Bradford city centre levy-payers by encouraging customers to return once it is safe to do so.

“If we want our city centres to survive, if we want to continue to enjoy the physical shopping experience and the social interactivity involved, to meet others and spend time with them in these central settings, then people will need to show their support and help our local shops, pubs, bars and restaurants by turning out to support them when the time comes.”