Debenhams profits have plunged by nearly 85% - we asked people in Ipswich how they thought the shop could encourage customers back into the store.
It was revealed today that Debenhams saw its half-year profits plunge nearly 85% after extreme weather brought in by the Beast from the East gouged earnings.
The retailer said its bottom-line pre-tax profits fell from £87.8 million to just £13.5 million over the 26 weeks to March 3, having taken a major hit during the final days of the trading period when bad weather forced Debenhams to temporarily close around 100 stores.
Debenhams is the latest to be hit, and it is a major worry for town centres, including Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, where they are key department stores in the retail offer.
Read the story in more detail here: Debenhams profits plummet after `extreme weather’
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