Debenhams demise ‘a hammer blow’ to the local economy says NI business chief Simon Hamilton

Simon Hamilton said the closure of the world renowned retailer will be particularly felt in Belfast city centre.

The Debenhams news comes less than 24 hours after a similar announcement concerning the Arcadia group (Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins and other well known high street brands).

“This is absolutely devastating news for everyone working in Debenhams and the Arcadia Group,” said Mr. Hamilton.

“It has been an incredibly challenging time for the retail sector and job losses on this level were what many of us have feared and warned about, but when it becomes a reality, it is no less shocking and no less distressing for all those impacted.”

Mr. Hamilton added: “The closure of Debenhams and the threat to stores like Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Burton is a huge hammer blow to Belfast city centre.

“This bad news comes on top of closures at the likes of DW Sports and Eason.

“Our worst fears about the impact of the restrictions introduced by the Executive to stop the spread of the coronavirus are coming true before our very eyes.”

Mr. Hamilton, who previously served as Health Minister, Finance Minister and Economy Minister while he was a DUP MLA for Strangford from 2007 to 2019, called on the Northern Ireland Executive to provide “urgent assistance”.

“Belfast now needs urgent assistance form our government,” said Mr. Hamilton.

“They need to work with the city’s business community, Belfast City Council and other stakeholders to help address the crisis we are currently facing and put in place a properly resourced plan to rebuild Belfast and ensure it fulfils its potential in the future.

“Retailers and our hospitality sector who rely on each other for trade and custom also need clarity quickly that they will be receiving a rates bill for the next financial year.”

Mr. Hamilton added: “Our city has faced huge challenges in the past. This is perhaps one of the biggest ever. But we at Belfast Chamber believe that with help from the Executive, our city can overcome even this and bounce back stronger. However, it will require Ministers to step up and support Belfast”.