THE final closing date for Colchester's Debenhams store has been confirmed.

The store, in Culver Street West in the Culver Square Shopping Centre, will close its doors for the final time on Saturday, May 15.

Debenhams reopened its Colchester store after lockdown for a final closing down sale after the firm was bought by online retailer Boohoo for £55million.

When the deal was confirmed the online giant said it would not be taking on stores or its workforce, meaning the loss of as many as 12,000 jobs.

The historic brand's 118 UK stores have been gradually closing once the remaining stock is sold.

The Colchester store opened first opened in 1987 as the flagship retailers for Culver Square Shopping Centre.

It is not known at the moment what will happen to the Colchester unit, which is one of the biggest in the town centre.

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Discounts of up to 80 per cent off fashion and homeware items and 70 per cent off beauty and fragrance are available whilst stocks last.

A spokesperson for Debenhams 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.

"With up to 80 per cent off across our remaining stores, customers are urged to shop now while stocks last.

"Over the next 10 days, 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.

"We hope to see you all one last time in stores before we say a final goodbye to the UK high street.”

A total of 52 stores will close by Saturday, with the final 49 closing on May 12 or May 15.

Other Essex Debenhams in Basildon, Chelmsford and at Lakeside Shopping Centre will also close on May 15.

All Debenhams stores have been made Covid-secure, with appropriate hygiene and social distancing measures in place.

To find out the store's opening hours, visit debenhamsstoreclosures.com.