AN MP for a town which is about to lose a major department store has accused Debenhams of "putting profit before customer," as thousands face redundancy across the country.

Labour MP Alex Cunningham described the confirmed closure of Debenhams on Stockton High Street as a "major blow," while accusing the firm of abandoning the town.

It was last year confirmed that 19 stores across the UK would close in January as part of the retailer's survival plan, resulting in the potential loss of thousands of jobs.

The Northern Echo:

But on Sunday, Mr Cunningham and other politicians on Teesside described their disappointment as Debenhams confirmed the store would close on Wednesday, January 15.

Mr Cunningham told The Northern Echo: "Losing an anchor store like Debenhams is a major blow to any town centre as retailers put profits before customers.

"The people of our town have shown decades of loyalty to Debenhams only to be abandoned as the store has failed to change to succeed in the 21st century."

The Northern Echo:

Debenhams has a three-storey site at Gateshead's Metrocentre Picture: GOOGLE

Debenhams, which also trades in Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Gateshead, South Shields, Harrogate, Sunderland and Scarborough, recently closed its York store amid financial "issues" facing the firm.

The firm is currently going through an insolvency process, a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) to reduce its spending and rid what it has previously described as 'unprofitable' sites.

The Northern Echo:

The Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said he felt for the employees, who had to face uncertainty over the Christmas period.

He said: "It is sad to see the struggles Debenhams have faced in recent times and my thoughts are with the workers who will have spent Christmas knowing this was on the horizon.

"Everyone is well aware of the challenges facing the high street as shoppers change their buying habits."

Mr Houchen said an innovative approach to tackle town centre problems such as free parking, could help the town succeed in a 'different' way.

He said: "We know town centres are changing, but with the support of initiatives like the £125m Towns Fund.

"We can give our businesses the support they need and allow our changing town centres to thrive long into the future."

The Northern Echo:

Jessie Joe Jacobs, who is running to be the Tees Valley Mayor described the loss as "devastating," but said the high street could be saved. 

The candidate standing on behalf of the Labour Party, said: "We knew the reports that it was coming and it’s devastating to Stockton.

“Some might say it’s the final nail in the coffin, but I would say not the final nail in the coffin for the high street.

“I believe the town centre can be saved, we need to make the transition from retail to community spaces, such as colleges, leisure areas."

Ms Jacobs said she would be launching a start-up fund for those who want to try new ideas in high streets across the Tees Valley.

She said: "It's about incentivising new people to come here while at the same time bringing together other people who should be on the high street.

“We must bring back the buses, if the high street becomes really – of the community people need t be able to get there.

“People from some parts of Stockton can’t get there because the routes have gone and they’re having to stay local," she added.

The Northern Echo:

Mr Cunningham added: "Fortunately we have a forward-thinking council in Stockton who are planning for the long term creating a new town centre, that is a venue for the day and night-time economy which I am sure will help it develop into the future."

  • Debenhams has been contacted for comment