SINN Féin’s Elisha McCallion has been reassured that the Debenhams store in Derry is in a strong position despite planned closures within the chain.
The Foyle MP was commenting after meeting Debenhams with Sinn Féin Council group leader, Sandra Duffy.
Elisha McCallion said: “After discussions with Debenhams, we are hopeful that the local store will not be affected by the announcement that a number of Debenhams outlets are expected to close in the time ahead.
“Although this is part of a review of the Debenhams estate, the Derry store is trading well and have just recruited 40 additional Christmas staff.
“This is welcome news and I am confident that the future of the Foyleside store is secure as we approach the Christmas period.”
Last month, the high street retailer said it was seeking to close 50 of its 166 stores in a radical overhaul as it prepares to reveal a record £500m loss.
But it was keeping tight-lipped over the future of the five Debenham stores in the North of Ireland, including its Derry store at the Foyleside Shopping Centre.
As well as the Foyle Street store, Debenhams has outlets in Belfast, Ballymena, Craigavon and Newry.
The struggling department store chain has previously said 10 stores were earmarked for closure over the next five years but has raised that target now to 50 with 4,000 jobs under threat.
