Following the successful reopening of 50 stores on 15 June, Debenhams is preparing to reopen a further 38 stores in England today (17 June). The rest will follow shortly thereafter.

Four stores have also reopened in Northern Ireland. The business is now awaiting confirmation from Wales and Scotland as to when stores located in those nations can reopen.

Debenhams is implementing several measures to keep staff and customers safe. This includes installing 2,000 Perspex screens at tills and providing staff with visors and gloves. Also, implementing queue management processes, which have been well received at the initial openings.

Commenting is Debenham’s managing director, Steven Cook. “We were pleased with the first day of reopening in England following the reopening of our Northern Irish stores last week.

“Our customers have been complimentary about the safety precautions we have introduced. It is very early days, of course, but we look forward to opening most of our remaining English stores today.

“Longer-term, there will be plenty of issues to be resolved; notably around unsustainable rates bills if the high street is going to get back onto a sustainable footing.”