Debenhams, in Newbury's Parkway Shopping centre, will close for the last time in May

NEWBURY'S Debenhams will close its doors for the last time next month.

The retailer confirmed yesterday (Thursday) that the local branch is one of 16 stores closing on Sunday, May 2. A further 11 will close two days later.

The shop, which is in the town's Parkway, saw queues forming outside when it reopened earlier this month as shoppers rushed to grab some of the bargains on offer, with up to 80 per cent off many items.

A spokesperson for Debenhams said: “With such great bargains on offer, it’s no wonder our stock is selling out incredibly fast. Time is running out for shoppers to take advantage of the incredible discounts being offered at these 27 stores.”

In January online fashion retailer Boohoo announced that it had bought the Debenhams brand and website in a £55m deal. It said at the time that it planned to relaunch the department store as an online-only operation from next year.

Debenhams’ remaining stores are expected to close by May 15.

Executive chairman of Boohoo, Mahmud Kamani, said in January: "This is a transformational deal for the group, which allows us to capture the fantastic opportunity as eCommerce continues to grow.

"Our ambition is to create the UK’s largest marketplace. Our acquisition of the Debenhams brand is strategically significant as it represents a huge step which accelerates our ambition to be a leader, not just in fashion eCommerce, but in new categories including beauty, sport and homeware.

Debenhams’ own fashion brands will also be absorbed into Boohoo’s current portfolio and sold via the Debenhams website.

Boohoo has previously bought a number of well-known high street brands out of administration, turning them into online-only operations, including Oasis, Coast and Karen Millen.