But in the past two years, a new chief executive and relaunch have turned the tide, the 97 stores and internet sales now bring in £1.4billion a year. I worked at Debenhams full-time (Less than a year). Flexitime is in demand: Debenhams introduced a scheme offering staff in London and Taunton the choice of spreading their eight hour days between 8am and 6pm to suit them, whilst staff can work four day weeks for a slight cut in pay. You want to see the number move in accordance to what the company believes is going to happen in the future. Belinda Earl, who started at Debenhams as a Saturday girl, slipped into the top job in 2000. [11] The business diversified during the 1970s buying South East based supermarket group Cater Brothers in 1972, after the death of its chairman Leslie Cater. [28] In April 2012 the company announced it would be building 14 new stores, and was in negotiations over a further 25 sites in the UK. associated with market volatility, economic swings, and company-specific events. The Debenhams board responded by stating they are open-minded with regard to exploring operational opportunities to improve its performance. If I was completing a task and a customer approached me what would I do? The shop was later renamed Cavendish House and carried drapery, silks, haberdashery, millinery, hosiery, lace and family mourning goods. [21] The new store contains 19,230 sq m and opened 20 years after the company closed its Birmingham city centre store due to declining trade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t also hired the former lighting buying team of collapsed rival BHS to begin introducing new lighting departments in stores. "[57], In 1993 the company introduced the 'Designers at Debenhams' brand, the creation of then CEO Belinda Earl, Ben de Lisi and Spencer Hawken. The firm is good at recognising talent too. [48], On 6 April 2020, Debenhams confirmed it had filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators. Secondly, using the number of employees can help gauge how the company is growing. Almost three in four of those who took part in our survey agreed that there is a family or team feeling at Debenhams. The majority of the original trading names of the stores, in each of their respective locations, were replaced with the "Debenhams" name during the 1970s. To review cookie options in the future, this banner can be found within the footer area of our website. All content is posted anonymously by employees working at Debenhams. Some restaurant employees at crisis-hit Debenhams say they will be made redundant at the end of the month. [67], Debenhams provide store card and credit card services, operated by NewDay. Sports Direct stated at the time it intends to be a supportive share holder. Use it to compare the right size of companies, that way you are in the right area and ballpark, and comparing accurate data points. To edit your settings or for more information on the non-essential cookies we use, please click 'View Options'. Stores in Bournemouth and Torquay continue to trade as Debenhams (2020). [40], During 2017 Debenhams opened two new stores, one in Stevenage and one in Wolverhampton. therefore cannot be disabled by opting out. By 1883, George Hewitt was the sole owner of the Cheltenham business, Frank and William Debenham having withdrawn to manage the London store as a separate concern. In 1876 when Freebody retired, a new partnership, Debenham & Hewitt, was formed. The company was founded in 1778, as a single store in London and has now grown to 178 locations across those countries. [24], The company purchased the brand name and stock of Principles in March 2009 after the business entered administration. [36] On 13 January 2014 4.6% of Debenhams shares were bought by Sports Direct, the retailer run by Mike Ashley. A Sales Representative will be in contact with you with your custom quote. The manager CLEARLY had his favourites and one's he would do without. I have been working at Debenhams full-time for more than a year, I worked at Debenhams part-time for more than a year. Please see our Around 1843, another branch shop was launched in Harrogate. In recent days former employees have occupied a Debenhams store … We are unable to locate this entity at this time. This process is automatic. Secondly, using the number of employees can help gauge how the company is growing. It is only the second to feature the new layout previously only seen in the Stevenage store, and only the second to feature the company’s new deli-restaurant format Loaf & Bloom, only previously seen at Milton Keynes. CF. [14] It was alleged by Caroline Lucas MP in a debate in Westminster Hall that Bob Lambert, a then undercover police officer, planted the fire bomb that caused £340,000 worth of damage to the Harrow branch of Debenhams in 1987. Copyright © 2008–2020, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Debenhams is currently embarking on a business wide transformation via our Debenhams Redesigned strategy. The company also operates a loyalty card programme, branded the Debenhams Beauty Club, where customers can collect points with the purchase of health and beauty products. In April 2020, stores operated in the Republic of Ireland by Debenhams Ireland ceased trading with the loss of nearly 2000 jobs[71] (the four Debenhams stores in Northern Ireland are operated as part of the United Kingdom business). [26] The company operates six stores in Denmark under the Magasin brand. Bought 1928 as part of Drapery Trust. Jane Coulthard 28 and 16 months into her career at Debenhams was promoted from the most basic sales adviser through three grades and is now a junior manager. DEBENHAMS TELEPHONE If you have bought a gift card or voucher from our Debenhams website or a store Enquiries relating to gift cards and vouchers purchased in store 0344 561 6161 * 0844 561 6161 ** Lines open: Monday to Friday, 8am - 11pm.