The final pictures: Debenhams stripped bare and shutters down for the last time as Northampton says a sad farewell to its historical department store

Debenhams has closed for good in Northampton town centre, after being a firm fixture in the town since 1952.

Saturday saw the last day of trading for the huge department store after four weeks of big discounts on offer to shoppers as part of a closing down sale which began when non-essential shops reopened after the coronavirus lockdown on April 12 which attracted queues of hundreds lining The Drapery.

There was little fanfare on Saturday however with no queues and heavy rain and winds battering Northampton town centre.

'Last day today' posters were placed in the windows and others advertising at least 70 per cent off everything in store.

However shoppers who visited on Friday said there was very little stock left by then and by 4.30pm on Saturday, the shutters were down and the store had been stripped bare leaving a huge empty shell of a once thriving department store.

Shoppers took to social media to share their sadness.

Katy Harris said: "I hope the staff find new jobs soon and are able to remember any good times they had working in Debenhams."

Nicola Murray said: "It used to be my favourite shop as a kid. They used to have loads of wigs and hats. I played dress up whilst my mum shopped. Such great memories."

Patsy Welsh said: "My Mum worked there for years - sad to see it closing as its been part for the town centre for a long time."

Anita Sabin said: "I am more upset about the closure of the Northampton one than the one where I now live as have happy memories of going in there with mum each week. She loved to just go around it trying on all the different perfumes."

Jennifer Taylor said: "Sad to see it closed....remember Adnitts being there...Sorry for workers as precious few jobs around....."

Sharon Knight said: "Sad day . I loved working there when I was 17 . Good memories."

The high street giant has been a fixture in the town centre since 1952 after taking over the Adnitt Brothers store rebranding it in 1973.

But the 243-year-old firm is shutting down after being bought by online retailer Boohoo in January having been in administration since April 2020.

A planning application was submitted to the council in February to convert the three-storey building into 201 student flats by developer Zone.

The block would include a central courtyard by demolishing part of the store as well as a retail unit, bicycle and bin storage, entertainment rooms, a lounge, a gym, a laundry room, study spaces and rooftop terraces.