Retail ‘Dynamic’ city can bounce back from blow
ARETAIL expert has said Bristol’s shopping quarter will bounce back after the loss of one of its most prominent stores.
Struggling retailer Debenhams was purchased by Boohoo last week, with the online fashion retailer snapping up the struggling brand and website for £55m. But the deal does not include any of its employees or remaining 118 high street branches, which are set to close for good.
A closing down sale at 124 of Debenhams’ stores, including its branch in Broadmead, began in December as administrators continue to seek offers for the remaining parts of the business.
The focus is now on what will happen to the buildings left behind by the widespread closures, many of which are vast, including Bristol’s branch of Debenhams.
The Horsefair has attracted people to the city centre for decades.
Steve Bluff, manager of Broadmead Bid, which oversees retail in the city centre, said it is up to the “landlords and planners to help creatively shape the next stage” of the building.
He said: “Our first priority within the Bid is to support the Debenhams store team as much as we can as they progress through their close down activity over the weeks ahead.
“Longer term, once Debenhams has vacated the building, it will be for the landlords and planners to help creatively shape the next stage for this iconic building which has been an important part of Bristol’s retail landscape for so many years.
“It’s no secret that there has been monumental changes in UK high streets over the last few years and there will undoubtedly be more to come.
“Bristol is a dynamic and resilient city, well placed to bounce back from the pandemic and we have a clear opportunity in the shopping quarter to develop a long term vision that really serves all our community and visitors in the best way possible.”
Boohoo said its surprise purchase of the chain was a “transformational
deal” and a “huge step” in its development - but the deal means that up to 12,000 jobs at the department store chain are set to go.
The 242-year-old Debenhams chain is already in the process of closing down.
Rick Smith, MD of insolvency and business rescue experts Forbes Burton, said he hopes the Debenhams buildings are re-purposed into “multi-function facilities,” but it will ultimately come down to cost.
“Debenhams tend to occupy very well established old buildings but unfortunately the footfall to feed such a big machine has diminished over the years and it’s no longer viable,” he said.
“It would be nice to see these old Debenhams buildings re-purposed into multi-function type facilities, a bit like what we’ve seen with out of town complexes, but it’s hard to say whether they’d be viable.
“I’ve seen some beautiful buildings in Manchester turned into escape rooms and other experience-led venues which are brilliant, so that could be an option.”