Debenhams has announced it has filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators on Monday. Around 22,000 jobs are now at risk – with 142 stores set to close. All stores in Ireland have already closed permanently with no plans to reopen after the lockdown period ends.

In a statement, 242-year-old department store said: “In these unprecedented circumstances the appointment of the administrators will protect our business, our employees, and other important stakeholders, so that we are in a position to resume trading from our stores when Government restrictions are lifted.

“We anticipate that our highly supportive owners and lenders will make additional funding available to fund the administration period.

“This decision has not been taken lightly and is no way a reflection on our Irish colleagues, whose professionalism and commitment to serving our customers has never been in question.”

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Can I still use a gift card?

This means you won’t be able to spend any gift cards or credit notes in physical stores, which are closed anyway due to the coronavirus crisis.

The online website remains in action and gift cards and credit notes are still being honoured.

It is worth spending your gift cards sooner rather than later, as the company can choose to close its website at any time if it goes into administration.

Its website says online orders are still being accepted as of Thursday afternoon.

Standard home deliveries could take up to seven working days due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

What about refunds?

The website reads: “Due to the impact Coronavirus is having on our customers ability to return items, we’ve extended our returns period, please see the Coronavirus Customer Information Page for details.

“If you need to return your purchase, we’ll offer a full refund or exchange.”

It is not yet clear whether the department store will honour refunds if it ceases trading completely.

If you paid by credit card and spent more than £100, you can make a claim with your credit provider under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

If you paid by debit card, you can make a chargeback claim with your bank, however, this will be at the bank’s discretion, so it is wise to act quickly. 

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Advisory firm FRP has been appointed to oversee the administration. 

The firm’s CEO Stefaan Vansteenkiste said: “In these unprecedented circumstances the appointment of the administrators will protect our business, our employees, and other important stakeholders, so that we are in a position to resume trading from our stores when Government restrictions are lifted.

“We anticipate that our highly supportive owners and lenders will make additional funding available to fund the administration period.”

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