Debenhams entered administration in 2020 after more than 140 years in business.
The British department-store chain was founded in London in 1778, although the Debenhams name and corporate history developed later. It operated large stores across the United Kingdom and became one of the country’s best-known department-store brands.
Debenhams entered administration for the second time in April 2019 and was bought by its lenders. The company entered administration again in April 2020, during the COVID-19 crisis, after falling sales, high debt, and pressure on traditional department stores. Its stores later closed after the online retailer Boohoo bought the brand and website assets in January 2021.
Debenhams is distinct from House of Fraser, another British department-store chain that also experienced financial difficulties. John Lewis remained a separate employee-owned retailer.