What: More than half of Debenhams former stores remain empty with only 27% of vacant units having future use plans.

Why it is important: High streets are struggling to fill the void of the former department store.

The department store closed 124 stores in May 2021 and was acquired by Boohoo who then took the brand solely online.

27 of the stores have been taken over by Marks & Spencer and The Range, however, 73% of units remain empty and only 27% of locations have future use plans.

While some stores will be turned into residential and retail developments, high streets are struggling to fill the void as its difficult for single occupiers to justify rent on the size of the locations.

73% of former Debenhams stores remain empty