IT WAS once the jewel in Festival Place’s crown - a three storey department store with every item you could desire.

But it all came to an end after 19 years on Saturday when Debenhams closed its branch to the sound of applause. 

It was an emotional scene as customers gathered round to bid farewell to the staff, who stood waved as the shutters closed for a final time. 

More than an hour before scheduled closure of 5.30pm, the final customers were trickling out, and staff were tearing down window displays and snapping selfies to mark the moment.

The chain has been a flagship store in the town’s shopping centre since it opened in October 2002, but the company has recently gone into liquidation, with the brand living on online only, after it was bought by fashion retail Boohoo.

Frank Poku, from Basingstoke, was the second to last customer to exit the shop.
He told the Gazette he was celebrating his 71st birthday, with a trip to the department store before it shut.

“That’s it, no more! I will be back to see what will take over,” he said.

While the final shopper out, Vivian Ezekwe, was met with a special reception from staff members and fellow members of the public. 

The 36-year-old from Croydon, south London, had paid a special visit to Basingstoke and said: “It’s sad, because Debenhams is my favourite place to shop!”

It has not yet been revealed what will replace the three-storey store. Festival Place did not respond to The Gazette’s request for comment. 

In an interview earlier this week, Neil Churchill, director of Festival Place, said that while “it is not good seeing so many people within the retail industry being affected” his team is seeking out a “viable alternative”, telling HampshireLive: “Basingstoke is not all about Debenhams, there is more about Basingstoke.”

You can read the full story in this week’s edition of The Gazette. Also in this week's paper:

  • A new coronavirus vaccination centre has opened in Basingstoke as efforts to start inoculating those in their 30s begins.
  •  Many businesses in Basingstoke were celebrating reopening ton Monday (May 17), or welcoming customers indoors for the first time since December.
  • Divisions have emerged among Basingstoke Conservative councillors over a decision to cut funding for Anvil Arts.
  • The borough council has been dealt a blow in the High Court after a blanket ban on unauthorised encampments was ruled illegal.
  • The former owner of Basingstoke Town Football Club has escalated an appeal against the council for listing the Camrose football ground as an asset of community value.
  • A member of the Basingstoke Street Gang has been charged with drug dealing after he was allegedly found with 15 wraps of heroin.
  • A professional dog walker has been fined after a Dobermann in his care attacked a flock of sheep - causing six lambs to die.
  • A nurse who has worked serving the community throughout pandemic has reopened her favourite bingo hall.
  • PLUS: All the latest from Basingstoke Magistrates' Court.
  • Two pages of your letters to the editor.
  • Pictures: Stormy skies captured by our Camera Club
  • The latest news from our communities.
  • An eight-page puzzle special.
  • Business news.
  • Three pages of entertainment news.
  • Four pages of sports news. And much more!

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