DEBENHAMS is preparing to reopen for a huge closing down sale next week.

Last year, the 242-year-old department store chain said its administrators “regretfully” decided to start winding down operations after JD Sports pulled out of a possible rescue deal.

Debenhams has now confirmed it will reopen stores on Monday (April 12), as coronavirus restrictions ease, to clear stock before they close permanently, and offer bargain buys for shoppers - including at Basingstoke’s Festival Place.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Monday’s sale launch …

Website browsing

Currently, the retailer has listed many of its sale deals online here.

However, it says that, when stores reopen for the closing down sale, it will be launching a brand new, dedicated website.

Opening hours may vary to ore-pandemic, so it's worth checking ahead. The website is currently advertising Festival Place store hours as 10:00-17:30 Monday to Saturday and 11:00-17:00 on Sundays.

You can find out more here.

In-store safety measures

Like every shop reopening from tomorrow (April 12), Debenhams are anticipating the shop to be popular, and are putting safety measure in place to ensure people can browse the best deals in a Covid-secure way.

It is worth being aware of the following ahead of making a trip there:

  • The company will be limiting the number of customers in store at any one time.
  • There will be clear signage, and staff will be on hand to help everyone maintain a safe distance.
  • There will be extra cleaning being done frequently and hand sanitiser will be provided for staff and customers to use.
  • As per government guidelines it is mandatory that all customers wear a face covering in Debenhams’ stores.

Unavailable services

Unfortunately, the store has announced that certain services will remain unavailable until further notice:

  • Dressing rooms
  • Beauty services & make-overs
  • Bra fitting
  • Click & Collect
  • Personal Shopper
  • Travel money
  • In store Ordering

However, the company has also confirmed it remains committed to accessibility, and lifts will be in use with clear guidance to support social distancing. Washroom facilities will be available for disabled customers.

Payment

Debenhams has said that shoppers will have one week after store reopening to return any item that they have been unable to return due to lockdown.

While the store will be encouraging the use of contactless payment, it will also still be accepting cash.

However, it will no longer be accepting payment by American Express, cardholder loyalty rewards, gift cards or beauty cards.

Returns & Refunds

Customers will have one week after store reopening to return any item that they have been unable to return due to lockdown.

Items purchased online on or after Friday March 5 2021 will need to be returned within 14 days for a full refund, subject to the standard exception policy.

For any online purchases made between the December 17 2020 and March 4 2021 (inclusive), Debenhams’ standard 28-day refund policy applies.

For items purchased in store on or after December 26 2020, refunds or exchanges will only be accepted where proof of purchase is present for faulty or misdescribed items, or items covered under warranty.

The company will no longer be accepting any returns or exchanges for non-faulty items or change of minds.

Once a store permanently closes, items may still be returned to any other Debenhams store that is still trading.

If you've sent an online purchase back for a refund, this will be processed within 24hrs of receipt and you'll receive an email to confirm this has been actioned, while refunds for in store returns will be processed immediately.