Debenhams
Debenhams plc – Aug 2018. Debenhams can trace its history to 1778 when William Clark established a drapers store at 44 Wigmore Street in London’s West-End selling fabrics, bonnets, gloves and parasols. The firm became a public company for the first time in 1928, effectively concluding the involvement of the Debenhams family.
By 1950, Debenhams was the largest department store group in the UK, owning 84 companies and 110 stores. It continued to grow and in 1966 central buying was introduced for the first time. The first international franchise store opened in Bahrain in 1997.
Debenhams plc – Aug 2018
After a period in private ownership, the group relisted in May 2006. The group trades out of over 241 stores (165 UK, 17 international, and 59 International franchises).