Celebrating over 100 years in the retail industry, Debenhams is one of the most respected retailers in the UK and is renowned for its successful portfolio of exclusive own brands and its Designers at Debenhams range. This diverse mix of product offers the latest trends, alongside everyday wear for the whole family and the home.
The Debenhams group grew from the acquisition of department stores in towns and cities throughout the UK, through its chairman Ernest Debenham. The first of such purchases was acquired in Oxford Street, London in 1919.
In 1997, Belinda Earl, who was Debenhams’ Chief Executive at the time, introduced the Designers at Debenhams range with Spencer Hawken. The move made designer fashion accessible through the stores at affordable prices.
Debenhams today is a leading department store group with 167 stores in the UK and Ireland and 65 international stores in 25 countries around the world, and a portfolio of over 100 brands.
In 2006, “Britain’s favourite department store” was voted 8th “most favorably viewed brand” by Marketing Magazine. Debenhams has also been recognized as the “best department store of the year” in recent years: at the 2009 Company Magazine Fashion Awards and at the 2011 High Street Fashion Awards on ITV’s Lorraine show.
Rustan Specialty Concepts, Inc. (RSCI) is the official franchise holder for Debenhams in the Philippines. Its first store opened in Shangri-La Plaza Mall in 2005. Debenhams inaugurated its second Philippine store on the third level of Rustan’s Makati in 2006. Its third branch opened in TriNoMa Mall in 2007.