Shelves stripped bare in Barrow's Debenhams in Portland Walk as store prepares to close

The Portland Walk store is one of 124 stores closing in the UK - 52 of which shut their doors permanently on Saturday.

The remaining stores will close for the final time tomorrow and Saturday.

EMPTY: Debenhams shelves have been stripped bare in preparation for the Portland Walk store's closure tomorrow

The 242-year-old chain collapsed at the end of last year, with the closure of all its stores confirmed after Boohoo agreed to only buy its website and brand in a £55 million rescue deal.

‘Closing down sale’ signs were dotted all around the Barrow Debenhams as customers cleared the shelves of heavily reduced items.

Jacqui Armstrong, administrative assistant for Barrow Market, visited the store over the weekend and captured shots of the chain’s empty shelves.

She described its closure as the ‘end of an era’ for Barrow.

TO CLOSE: Debenhams in Barrow

She said: “It’s the end of another era now that Debenhams is closing and many shoppers will miss it but as one door closes another door opens.

“We still have our much loved Barrow Market Hall and the outdoor market too along with lots of independent businesses in the high street.

“We need our local community to get behind us more than ever.

“Please make that journey into town and take a fresh look around the market hall.

“We are almost full to capacity and there is something for everyone in our hidden gem.”

Ms Armstrong is urging the public to shop local to help retailers survive the impact of the pandemic.

EMPTY: Debenhams shelves have been stripped bare in preparation for the Portland Walk store's closure tomorrow

She said: “We are celebrating our 50th anniversary next month in the market hall.

“It has definitely stood the test of time and we will endeavour to continue our tradition of being a market town for many more successful years.

“Please shop local, independent businesses as much as possible and put a trip to Barrow Market Hall at the top of your shopping list.

“Barrow Market Hall wish all the employees who have lost their jobs all the very best for the future and if anyone is thinking of setting up their own business in the market, please call Jacqui Armstrong on 01229 876555.”

A Debenhams spokesperson said: “We are now heading into the final days of our closing down sale and this is the very last chance for our customers to take advantage of some incredible deals.

“Debenhams will close its doors on the high street for the final time in its 242-year history.

“Our sincere thanks go out to all of our colleagues and customers who have joined us on this journey.”