Grand Opening of Debenhams Department Store

Thank you so much for this great story and pictures! What do people think of the new Debenhams??

Grand Opening of Debenhams Department Store

Today saw the opening of the much awaited Debenhams outlet in Westbury Mall, Fareham Shopping Centre. After the fiasco of the March 2009, which saw Debenhams withdrawing from the venture due to reported disagreements with the landlords, this is a breath of fresh air for the centre and area, which can now boast quality, upmarket retail outlets alongside the regular old favourites. It also revived the hopes of some 100 employees who were dismayed at the original decision to scrap the outlet, some of whom were relying on Debenhams to replace the jobs they had lost due to the demise of Woolworths. As many as 1500 applicants finally tendered for the 50 jobs that were initiated at the store.

The journey to inauguration was fraught with setbacks – last year saw several months of delay due to seven Wells being found, which were not documented on the Building Control records. With original plans for a Christmas 2010 opening being thwarted, the dash has been on to fit–out the store in keeping with corporate design, health & safety and customer comfort.

Today's opening saw attractions like two colourful clowns on stilts who were blowing balloons for children – no doubt this was Debenhams attempt to girder against inflation!

The store boasts all the usual departments that would be expected of a prime retailer and certainly attracted many first-day customers to its brand new doors. Don't blink – Xmas Fayre was spotted in one department already! Let's hope that Father Xmas makes an appearance early too eh?