'Another smack in the teeth. So sad.' - You have your say as Debenhams store set to close following Boohoo deal

The news comes today as online retailer Boohoo purchased the ailing high street retailer's brand and website in a deal worth £55 million.

Debenhams has been the flagship store in the town since it opened in 2008 as part of Houndshill Shopping Centre expansion.

"It's the same as M&S. Marketed towards and older more middle class population which is dying off. Not just physically but the middle class are dying off. Lots of young people can't even afford to get on the property ladder. The clothes and food (in the case of M&S) are aimed at an ever shrinking market. The young now need fast fashion hence the rise in Primark and Boohoo. You don't open your brand to a new younger population you will never survive."

Sami Greenall - Facebook

"Houndshill gonna be looking like a ghost town soon"

Rina New - Facebook

"It’s very sad to hear that our Debenhams store will close permanently. Rather than let it lie empty for the foreseeable, can’t the ground floor (at least) be let to Wilkos until their new building is ready?"

Dave Nuttall @SeasideDavenut - Twitter

"Boohoo have saved Debenhams and this is good for the millions of people who shop online. Boohoo look after there workers and employ thousands an thousands all over the world."

Gaz Adams - Facebook

"As a regular visitor to Blackpool, from Leeds, and reader of Gazette news mails I and my wife are very disappointed with the Debenhams closure. This is the latest in a long, long line of closures over the years. Not only in Blackpool but nationally.

"We visited Blackpool for a lot of years and over time have seen a lot of our favourites such as Lewis's, Woolworths, BHS and now Debenhams disappear.

"Retail is in a mess, the latest casualties not helped by the pandemic. Next could be the hotel trade with places like Blackpool severely hit! Could the government have been better with their slow responses? I think so as we've always been two steps behind the pandemic.

"I do know one thing though, having not visited since last August, as soon as we can we'll be there."

Tony Robinson - Email

"Debenhams. I’m no expert in retail finance and negotiations but £55 million doesn’t sound a lot."

@Jaz98966330 - Twitter

"Now that's sad. I don't shop at Debenhams due to their prices but I still think it's sad to loose such a British cultural chain."

Docteur Kamond Lefilsdedieu - Facebook

"So sad. I like to try my clothes on and see if it fits, and I don't want loads of parcels of creased clothes coming then having to take them to post office to send them back."

Pauline Riley - Facebook

"Another smack in the teeth. So sad."

Chris Turner @Vesparino - Twitter