DEBENHAMS have now confirmed the dates when its Chester and Ellesmere Port stores will close their doors for the final time.

The historic Eastgate Street branch is to permanently shut on May 12, while the Coliseum Leisure Park premises will cease trading on May 15.

The department store brand announced the closure dates for its remaining 49 stores this morning (May 5).

A Debenhams spokesman said: “We are now heading into the final days of our closing down sale and this is the very last chance for our customers to take advantage of some incredible deals.

“With up to 80% off across our remaining stores, customers are urged to shop now while stocks last.

“Over the next 10 days, Debenhams will close its doors on the high street for the final time in its 242-year history.

“Our sincere thanks go out to all of our colleagues and customers who have joined us on this journey.

“We hope to see you all one last time in stores before we say a final goodbye to the UK high street.”

Back in January, it was announced that online fashion retailer Boohoo had bought the department store brand and website for £55 million.

But while the deal would see the name survive, it meant the company’s remaining 118 stores – including the Chester and Ellesmere Port branches – would permanently shut.

Both stores reopened on April 12 as non-essential retailers were given the green light to welcome back customers in England as part of the Government's gradual easing of lockdown restrictions.

The Chester store began trading from its current site on Eastgate Street as Brown's back in 1791.

It was bought by Debenhams in 1976 with Browns of Chester the only store in the group to retain its own trading name alongside the Debenhams branding.

The deal to save the Debenhams brand will see its products sold by Boohoo from early next year.