DEBENHAMS : STORE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF TRADING IN BLACKBURN

On Thursday 17 October Debenhams in Blackburn, which in June was voted the best overall retailer in the Mall shopping centre, will reach an important anniversary: 40 years of trading at Northgate. The department store has a variety of events on Thursday and over the weekend to help its 120 colleagues and local customers celebrate, including 20% off in the store restaurant; a special cardholder promotion; and a host of beauty offers along with some make up demonstrations on Saturday. The first 40 customers to make a purchase on Thursday will get a special goodie bag and all customers will be entered into a prize draw to win a luxury hamper of treats. The management team will also be handing out some unexpected treats to shoppers throughout the celebrations.

Scott Rimmer, manager of Debenhams Blackburn, commented:

'We are delighted to be celebrating this important milestone with our staff and customers. Three of our colleagues have been working in the store since the very beginning, which is an incredible achievement and this is a great opportunity to recognise their commitment and dedication over the past 40 years. We have lots of exciting activities so everyone can do a bit of celebrating with us. There will also be lots of offers throughout the store, some unexpected treats to surprise and delight our customers, and if they spend in our store this weekend we'll pay for their parking too. We hope that all of our customers, past and present, will come and visit our store during the celebrations and take a look at all of the fabulous seasonal trends and gift ideas that we have to offer. We look forward to being a part of the Blackburn community for many years to come.'

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Enquiries: [LOCAL CONTACT - Scott Rimmer 07538 651673]

[e-mail]020 3549 6156

Notes to editors:

Debenhams is a leading international, department store destination with a proud British heritage which trades out of around 240 stores and is available online in more than 90 countries atwww.debenhams.com. It is one of the top five fashion retailers in the UK and has a leading market position in premium beauty both in-store and online. Debenhams gives its customers around the world a unique, differentiated and exclusive mix of own brands, international brands and concessions.

The Debenhams store at Northgate opened on [DATE]. The store employs 120 colleagues and alongside exclusive brands such as [OWN BRAND/DESIGNERS], concession partners including [BRANDS] it offers the town's premier assortment of fragrance, skincare and cosmetics and a choice of casual dining options.