Debenhams to open stores next week for massive closing down sale - is your local store on the list?

Debenhams is set to open all of its remaining stores next week in order to sell off remaining stock as part of its huge closing down sale.

The retailer, which went into administration and then liquidation in December last year, will have discounts for up to 70 per cent off fashion and home and up to 50 per cent off beauty items.

So shoppers will be able to pick up items like the best bras or best induction pans for a fraction of the price.

The stores are expected to be open for between three and five weeks, depending on the stock clearance before closing for good, the former high street department store confirmed, with further details expected to be revealed tomorrow.

A simple note posted online read, 'Following the latest government guidelines, we're preparing to re-open our stores. We plan to re-open stores on 12th April.'

Debenhams, which first began as a draper business at 44 Wigmore Street in London in 1778 was rebranded to Debenhams Limited in 1905 and started buying existing department stores across the country, including Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge in 1920.

But despite becoming the biggest department store group in the UK in 1950s, owning 84 companies and 110 stores, in recent years it has struggled as a result of the boom in online shopping.

At the time of the announced closures last year, Geoff Rowley of FRP Advisory, joint administrator to Debenhams and Partner at FRP, said, "All reasonable steps were taken to complete a transaction that would secure the future of Debenhams.

"However, the economic landscape is extremely challenging and, coupled with the uncertainty facing the UK retail industry, a viable deal could not be reached."

A massive sale was launched online, with discounts up to 70 per cent off, following the announcement but there is still plenty of stock to be sold off, with shoppers able to pick up some bargains.

To find your closest store, to be in with the chance of picking up a bargain, you can visit the Store Finder and pop your postcode in to reveal which stores will be re-opening for the huge closing down sale.