Debenhams reopening majority of stores on June 15 but NOT Milton Keynes

Three stores with street access will open in Northern Ireland on June 8 June, including the Belfast flagship, with Debenhams’ two remaining stores in Northern Ireland to open shortly thereafter.

A further 50 stores will reopen in England on June 15, with the rest to follow later in the week.

Preparations for reopening are well under way, with strict social distancing and hygiene procedures being implemented across all stores in adherence with the latest Government guidance and instruction.

Stores in Scotland and Wales will reopen once government restrictions allow.

In April, Debenhams filed for administration after the coronavirus lockdown forced it to shut its shops.

In a statement, the company says the "light touch" move "will protect Debenhams from the threat of legal action that could have the effect of pushing the business into liquidation while its 142 UK stores remain closed in line with the government’s current advice regarding the Covid-19 pandemic".

It added: "The group is making preparations to resume trading its stores once government restrictions are lifted. The filing of a notice of intent in the UK is a first necessary step in that process."