SHOPPERS have been queuing outside Debenhams before it reopened for its final closing down sale.

The national chain is due to close the shop in Hereford's Old Market Shopping Centre by May 15.

It comes after online fashion retailer Boohoo confirmed it had bought the Debenhams brand for £55 million, and would relaunch the department store as an online-only operation.

A number of shoppers were seen queuing outside the store at 9.40am this morning, 20 minutes before it opened at 10am.

The sale will offer up to 70 per cent off fashion and home products, and up to 50 per cent off beauty and fragrance lines, the chain said.

The stores, reopening on Monday as the coronavirus lockdown eased in England, will all be taking part in the company's final stock liquidation process and it will continue to trade for a limited number of weeks until the stock in the stores is fully cleared.

The stores will start to close permanently from May 2, with the stock clearance completed and final stores expected to close by May 15.

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A spokesperson for Debenhams said: "This is the last chance for customers in England and Wales to visit their local Debenhams before sadly our stores close for good.

"We will be reopening with a fantastic range of offers and discounts across all of our customers' favourite brands and products.

"Stocks are limited and expected to sell out quickly so customers should visit their nearest store quickly to avoid disappointment.

"We are very grateful for the efforts of our staff who have worked so hard throughout the most difficult of circumstances to keep the business trading."