Debenhams opens on eBay and Amazon

Debenhams has become the first UK department store to start selling its products on both eBay and Amazon, in an effort to boost sales from the millions of visitors to the sites.

The department store is selling about 1,000 products on Amazon.co.uk, including its Designers at Debenhams clothing, homeware, sportswear and beauty products currently in its stores. On eBay.co.uk, Debenhams has opened an outlet store that sells about 100 products, from homewares to electricals, but it plans to double this number next week.

Michael Sharp, the deputy chief executive at Debenhams, said: "A strong presence on the web is essential for any modern-day retailer. Our use of Amazon and eBay, as well as Debenhams.com, opens the door to millions of new customers."

More than 20 retailers, including JD Sports Fashion and the catalogue giant Argos, sell products on eBay.co.uk. Eight retailers, including the shoe group Schuh, the toy specialist Hamleys and the lingerie chain La Senza, are now live on Amazon.co.uk.

Tomorrow, Debenhams is expected to deliver pre-tax profits of £122m for the year to the end of August 2009, up from £110m the year before.