Debenhams

Introduction and Company History

Debenhams is a UK-based department store chain with operations in a number of countries around the world. The company operates 153 stores across the UK and Ireland, and has online delivery to 66 countries around the world through Debenhams Direct, including many where Debenhams does not have its own store (Debenhams.com, 2012). The company traces its roots to 1778 in London, where the company remains headquartered to this day. The expansion of Debenhams to become an international brand in retailing has been done primarily through franchising, while the store in the UK and Ireland tend to be company-owned. According to the company's annual report, Debenhams earned £2.2 billion in revenue and £117.2 million in profit.

The growth of the Debenhams name only took place in the latter part of the 20th century. Prior to that point, the Debenhams name was not used on most of...
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