Debenhams to create 4,000 jobs at new stores

Debenhams, the department store chain, plans to create 4,000 jobs over the next four years as it opens 11 new stores. The store openings were first announced at the company's half-year results in April but the company only set out the employment details yesterday.

Debenhams, the department store chain, plans to create 4,000 jobs over the next four years as it opens 11 new stores. The store openings were first announced at the company's half-year results in April but the company only set out the employment details yesterday.

Debenhams stores will open in Carlisle, Sunderland, Milton Keynes, Uxbridge and Oxford over the next year, taking the total to 96. Branches are also planned for Newcastle and East Kilbride in Scotland.

Debenhams is moving into the electricals market, with departments selling wide screen televisions and DVD machines already open in some stores."Electricals drive customer footfall," said Matthew Roberts, Debenhams' finance director.

The comments came as Debenhams reported an upbeat current trading statement. Underlying sales in the 20 weeks to 15 July were up by 3.3 per cent on last year, compared to a rise of around 2 per cent in April.

The shares closed down 8.75p at 206.25p.