Shoppers react to Festival Place's Debenhams' final day of trading

The Gazette spoke to some of the early-bird queuers, and asked them about their thoughts on the closure of the iconic department store which opened in the town in 2002.

Nicola Hotston, 30, from Winklebury and her family are expecting a new addition and were hoping to pick up some bargain baby things.

“I think it’s quite sad, a bit of a shame,” she said.

“My family used to use it a lot, so I’ve been coming here since I was my son’s age.”

Nicola Hotston and her family are hoping to pick up some bargains for their baby on the way.

Meanwhile 59-year-old Wendy Gill from Newbury said she was “gutted” at the news, as Debenhams is her favourite shop.

“I’m not happy at all. It’s my definite favourite shop, I get everything from here,” she said.

“At Christmas time, I used to love coming and buying games and jigsaw puzzles, perfume and aftershave.

“I am gutted to be honest. It’s clothes I really miss a lot. Towards the end of the pandemic, you couldn’t try things on, but you could order online and then return in store.”

It was curiosity and nostalgia that brought Wendy into Basingstoke this morning.

“I didn’t know it was still open until I saw the news last night and thought I’d come down today. There’s probably nothing left, but it’s worth having a look around,” she said.

Wendy Gill, 59, said she was 'gutted' to lose her 'favourite shop'

Mrs Fionda from Kingscelere and her daughter Ruth Taylor from Cranbourne were also stood in line.

Ruth said: “It’s very sad, I’m disappointed. I know it’s online, but it’s not the same.”

When asked what they like about it, Ruth said: “It’s an eclectic mix of things”, while her mum added: “There’s something for everybody, it’s ageless.”

The pair weren’t completely sure what they’d like to see replace the flagship store, but knew what they definitely didn’t want.

“It’s such a big space, I don’t know what they will do with it. What I don’t want to see is any more betting shops or tech shops, because we have enough of those,” said Ruth.

She added that she can’t see another department store coming in, but suggested that a collaboration between a number of independent businesses might be nice.

She added: “I am fearful for the future of shopping centres like this.

“This year I have done all my shopping online, yet here I am today because I want that experience of seeing things, touching things, trying things on. It’s not the same online.

She continued: “I hope people will continue to support what’s left in town, because otherwise those other shops will close too and then what happens to Festival Place? Then it becomes a ghost town.

“It’s our duty and a responsibility to keep the businesses going.”

Mrs Fionda from Kingsclere and her daughter, Ruth Taylor, hope some independent businesses might occupy the store next.

Mrs Fionda said that ensuring that bus services, like the route she takes into town from Kingsclere, continue to run regularly, will play a big role in keeping the town alive.

Gazette readers have also been sharing their memories and messages about the closure on social media.

Louise Buckey wrote: “Very sad. Sending best wishes and luck for all staff members finding new employment.”

Rich Moir added: “This is a tragedy.”