Shoppers queue outside Northampton Debenhams store as lockdown ends

Shoppers were queuing outside Debenhams this morning as it reopened for the first time since the second national lockdown. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds.

Shoppers began queuing early on Wednesday as Northampton shops re-opened after the end of England’s second coronavirus lockdown.

Many of the shoppers were standing outside Debenhams in the Drapery, which is winding down its Northampton store following the collapse of a deal to buy the 242-year-old retailer.Labour leader Danielle Stone said: "It's the last remaining department store in the town centre.

"Closure will reduce footfall into the town even further. The loss of jobs will impact on the local economy making regeneration of the town ever more difficult.

Debenhams has been a part of Northamptons retail fabric for 70 years.

"It will be sad to see another part of our history slip away. It will be interesting to see what becomes of the building. I would like it for community use as a youth centre or an Africa centre.

"This would bring energy and excitement back into the town."

Administrators confirmed yesterday (Tuesday) they would continue to seek a buyer after JD Sports pulled out of a proposed takeover for 128 Debenhams UK stores — including one in the Drapery it has occupied since the 1950s.

JD Sports was understood to be in pole position in a sale process initiated by Debenhams’ administrators back in April.

The store had slashed prices of some of its products ahead of Christmas.

But the sportswear retailer made a u-turn after Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia Group — which is Debenhams’ biggest supplier and concession partner — also went into administration on Monday.

Debenhams has been a presence in Northampton since 1952 when it bought the Adnitt Brothers store in the Drapery, rebranding it in 1973.

Marjorie Quinnel was doing some shopping today in Debenhams. She said: "I have been shopping here for many years, I was really disppointed because this is the only decent shop we have.

"I don't drive, I can't go to other places so I don't know what we will do now. It's really sad."

Speaking to the Chronicle & Echo, Carol Clue,said: "I get what I can from here, I remember when it was Adnitts.

"We are not online, and some shops have different sizes and we like to try stuff on. It's getting harder and harder to buy clothes.

"It's just going down hill I'm afraid."

Shopper Liz Malpas added: "I love it, I will be really sorry to see it go, because I love the handbags. We won't have any shops left for my age group."

The news is yet another blow to the town centre which has already lost major names BHS and Marks & Spencer in recent years.

Edinburgh Woolen Mill became the latest casualty last month while supermarket giant Sainsbury's is set to quit it's Grosvenor Centre site in the New Year.