Debenhams could close 10 stores as part of shake-up that puts hundreds of jobs under threat
The shake-up means warehouses and stores face closure - putting 220 jobs on the line
DEBENHAMS is considering closing ten branches as part of plans to axe 11 warehouses - in a move that could impact at least 220 jobs.
The department store's new boss, Sergio Bucher, who took over as chief executive last October, outlined an overhaul that will see the group shut one of its three distribution centres run by DHL, as well as smaller in-store warehouses
The DHL warehouse employs 220 staff and will shut in two years' time, but Debenhams hopes to be able to redeploy many staff affected by the smaller warehouse closures.
Details of his plans came as the group announced a 6.4 per cent drop in pre-tax profits to £87.8 million for the six months to March 4.
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It is hoped that DHL will also seek to redeploy many employees affected by the closure of the Lodge Farm distribution centre in Northamptonshire.
Mr Bucher's turnaround will also see the group cull in-house brands and leave some international markets, while also shifting around 2,000 staff to customer-facing roles as part of a drive to lure shoppers back to its stores.
This will see the group offer customers experiences as it battles against a wider trend to switch spending away from clothes towards eating out and holidays.
Mr Bucher said: Our customers are changing the way they shop and we are changing too.
"Shopping with Debenhams should be effortless, reliable and fun, whichever channel our customers use. We will be a destination for 'social shopping' with mobile the unifying platform for interacting with our customers."
Last year, rival Marks & Spencer announced plans to cut dozens of stores around the UK as part of a massive cost-cutting drive.
A number of other stores may be relocated, while existing shops will see layouts changed.
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