Debenhams plc is a British retailer operating under a department store format in the UK and franchise stores in other countries. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.
Debenhams, everything for the home and its inhabitants. Debenhams' rich history means that it benefits from enduring credibility. This British group was founded in 1778 and for two centuries has been designing and selling clothing for men, women and children, from chic to sportswear and lingerie, with brands such as Casual Club, Red Herring and Maine New England. This flagship activity has gradually been extended to include the sale of cosmetics, accessories, as well as furniture and utensils for the home (towels, tables, pots and pans, storage units, to name but a few). In addition, Debenhams also offers a wedding list service and sells and delivers flowers on-line. Not forgetting the cafés and restaurants inside its 153 department stores found all over Great Britain and Ireland.
History
The business was formed in 1778 by Messrs Flint and Clark who began trading at 44 Wigmore Street in London as a drapers' store under the name Flint & Clark. In 1813 William Debenham was made a partner so the name was changed to Clark and Debenham. In 1818 the Company opened a second store in Cheltenham and in 1851 Clement Freebody became a partner so the name was changed again, this time to Debenham & Freebody. The business was incorporated as Debenhams Limited in 1905.
The modern Debenhams group grew from the acquisition of department stores in towns and cities throughout the UK, under the leadership of its Chairman, Ernest Debenham. The first of these purchases, Marshall & Snelgrove at Oxford Street in London, was acquired in 1919. Later purchases included Harvey Nichols in London's Knightsbridge in 1920. Most stores acquired retained their former identities until a unified corporate image was rolled out across the stores. The Company was first listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1928.
In 1976 the Company acquired Browns of Chester - the only store that has retained its own identity.
In 1985 the Company was acquired by the Burton group. Debenhams was demerged in 1998 and was once again listed as a separate Company on the London Stock Exchange. It expanded under the leadership of Belinda Earl who was appointed CEO in 2000.
The Company was acquired again in late 2003 this time by a private consortium comprising CVC Capital Partners, Texas Pacific Group, Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity and management. The company returned to a listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2006.
Operations and Products
As of April 2009, the company had 153 stores (including 10 'Desire by Debenhams' stores) covering 10.373 million square feet of retail space across the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It also has 40 franchise stores operating in other countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia.
The company introduced 'Designers at Debenhams' including Jasper Conran, John Richmond and John Rocha, an idea constructed by Spencer Hawken and Belinda Earle, which was seen as a saving grace in hard times. The company sells goods under a number of brand names that it owns in its own right.
In 2008 the Company was voted best UK department store by GMTV.
Debenhams.com offers an exciting selection of Flowers, Gifts, Fashion, Lingerie and Home products to buy.
In the words of Debenhams themselves: "Debenhams.com offers a convenient way to browse and buy thousands of products online. The site features Fashion essentials for all the family from favourite brands to designer ranges such as J by Jasper Conran and BDL by Ben de Lisi. Plus, exciting gifts for him, for her, for the kids and for the home, great Home products, stunning Lingerie and a selection of beautiful fresh flowers and bouquets from only £15 delivered. You can trust www.debenhams.com to deliver.
