Debenhams UK Review 2024

    
    
    
    
    
    
 

Debenhams operate as a department store selling clothing and fashion accessories for women, men, and kids, as well as a range of other home appliances and items.

However, this Debenhams review will focus on the fashion department. Thus, the main question is whether you should get your fashion pieces from this retail store. Do they offer elegant fashion pieces, and are their prices pocket friendly? How about their service; is the ordering process painless, do they offer swift delivery and easy returns, and do they have a responsive support service?

Debenhams is a legit fashion store. It is not a scam store because you will receive your ordered products without a problem. They will never steal your money or credit card details, there is much positive feedback about the store in this area. But does Debenhams offer quality materials?

This Debenhams review will examine Debenhams in order to provide the information that will help you answer these questions and more.

Debenhams review at a glance

• Their website is www.debenhams.com
• Debenhams is a UK based retailer that operates as a department store
• They offer women’s, men’s, and kids’ clothing and fashion accessories, as well as a range of home items
• Free shipping is offered, and to all locations that they ship to
• Returns are allowed within a 28 days window, and refunds are made to the original payment method
• Customer support is available via post, email, and telephone

What is Debenhams? – Background

Although the focus of this review is on the fashion department of Debenhams, the store is more than a fashion store. Debenhams is a multinational retailer headquartered in London. They operate as a department store offering a wide range of items in different product categories called categories. Their departments include fashion items (for men, women, and kids), home appliances, housewares, toys and more.

Like most evergreens in the forest that starts off as a seed, Debenhams started off small as a draper store in London as far back as 1778. William Debenham joined William Clark (the founder) in 1813, and their name was changed to “Clark & Debenham”.

Despite a lot of internal changes in the years that followed, the company continually grew and was incorporated as Debenhams Limited in 1905. To continue its expansion, Debenhams started a series of acquisitions of department stores in the UK.

In 1985, the Burton Group acquired Debenhams, and the Group operated the company until 1998 when Debenhams was listed on the London Stock Exchange. It was taken private again when Baroness Retail Limited acquired the company in 2003, but it quickly returned to a listing in the London Stock Exchange in 2006, and has operated as a public limited company since then. The company has over 170 stores in the UK, Ireland and Denmark. The company brand is also used for stores (franchises) in some other 20+ countries.

However, at the time of writing, Debenhams was facing some financing challenges and was literally fighting for survival; some stores were closed and many more were scheduled to be closed. As we were rounding up the review, it was announced that the company had secured a £40 million credit facility from lenders. This according to their executives is the first step in their refinancing process. And in our opinion, it’s really necessary to awaken what was becoming a “sleeping giant” in the industry.

The online store can be found at www.debenhams.com. The website is mobile-optimized, so not only does it work on mobile operating systems, but it resizes to fit the screens of mobile devices. Thus, you’ll be able to make your purchases on the go.

Is Debenhams legit?

Debenhams is legit. They do not scam their customers. But it looks like the store has lots of complaints about their products, which is not a good sign.

With so many fraudsters ripping people off in cyberspace, you want to make sure that you use only legit platforms so that you won’t fall victim. Especially where the platform is a store, you want to make sure that it is legit before paying for any order because if it isn’t legit you could end up losing more than the order amount.

There is no doubt that Debenhams is legit. In checking for their legitimacy, we looked at whether the company is legal and whether the company fulfils orders. In terms of legality, there’s no doubt. That Debenhams is an incorporated company and that they are currently trading as a public company on the London Stock Exchange says it all. Suffice it to say that no scam company will seek and obtain the legal status that Debenhams has.

In terms of fulfilling orders; Debenhams also ticks the box. First, scam stores do not fulfil orders, and one reason is that they exist only virtually with no physical identity. However, Debentures has a registered headquarter, as well as numerous stores and fulfilment centres all over the UK. That these centers hold millions of merchandise gives Debenhams the capacity to fulfill orders. Apart from having the “capacity”, Debenhams actually fulfil orders, and this is demonstrated by their almost 241 years of existence.

That said; there’s no doubt that Debenhams is legit. The company is 100% legal, and you’ll receive your package when you order from the store. For more fashion stores visit Prettylittlething and Rotita.

Is Debenhams safe?

Debenhams is also safe. Apart from needing to use a legit retail store so as not to be ripped off; you’ll also need the store to be safe so that the information you share with them will be protected and will not leak into the hands of other online fraudsters.

The information you’ll share with a retail store you use includes personal information such as your name and contact address, as well as sensitive information like your payment card detail. You definitely don’t want the latter in the wrong hands so you’ll want the store you use to adequately safeguard your data.

It’s safe to say that Debenhams is safe because of the numerous darts that have been thrown at the company none has to do with a data breach. However, we’ll like that the company give details of the measures that they use in securing customers’ data.

Usually, companies give this information (or something like it) in their privacy policy. However, while the privacy policy of Debenhams explains what they use the collected data for; it fails to tell us how the collected data is protected, only saying that “we have in place a range of organizational, procedural, and technical security measures designed to protect your personal information from unauthorized use or disclosure”.

Product

Product Range

You want a shop that has a wide product range so that you can get all your fashion items in that one place instead of hopping from one shop to another. Apart from the convenience that getting all your items in one place affords, it also offers cost savings.

For example, you’ll have a high order amount to qualify for big purchase discounts or free shipping; you’ll also save from shipping by shipping only one order from one shop instead of paying to ship multiple orders from different stores.

In this regard, Debenhams ace it. They have a wide product range that includes clothing pieces, shoes and fashion accessories for women, men and kids. You’ll find fashion items for every occasion and season. Debenhams is one store that has expanded beyond the fashion niche to also include a range of home items.

In the online Debenhams store, the different product categories as well as the different items you can get in each category are as follows:

Women wear

• Clothing – You’ll find pieces for petite and plus-size; clothing items include: Coats and Jackets, Tops, Knitwear, Trousers & Leggings, Occasionwear, Skirts, Swimwear, Jeans, and Playsuits& Jumpsuits
• Dresses – Because of the different styles you’ll find, dresses hold a section of their own in the women’s category. Styles include Maxi dresses, Evening dresses, Party & Going Out Dresses, Work Dresses, Midi dresses, Wedding dresses, Bridesmaid dresses, Mother of the bride dresses, and Wedding Guest dresses
• Shoes & Boots – You’ll find Shoes, Boots, High heels, Ankle boots, Slippers, Sandals, Trainers, Wedges, and Wide fits
• Accessories – Handbags, Bags, Purses, Radley, Jewellery, Watches, Occasion hats & fascinators, Shrugs & Wraps, Hats, Gloves, and Scarves

Women Lingerie

• Ranges – You’ll find different lingerie including sexy lingerie, everyday lingerie, bridal lingerie, lingerie sets, spring value, plus size lingerie, maternity and nursing, mastectomy & post-surgery
• Bras – DD+ bras, Sports bras, Full cup bras, Multiway & Strapless bras, Push up bras, and T-Shirt bras
• Knickers – Brazilian Knickers, Shorts, Multipack knickers, Thongs
• Shapewear and Hoisery – Knickers and Shorts, Slips bodies & all in ones, Socks, Spanx, and Tights
• Nightwear – Dressing gowns, Pyjamas, Slippers and Chemises

Beauty Products

• Makeup – Foundation, Lipstick, Eye Shadow palettes, Eye shadow, Mascara, Makeup brushes, and Gift sets
• Perfume – Perfume, and gift sets
• Skincare – Moisturisers, Cleansers & face wash. And gift sets

Men wear

• Clothing – Coats & Jackets, Jumpers & Cardigans, Jeans, Shirts, Sports & Leisure, Tops, Hoodies & Sweatshirts, Shorts, Polo shirts, Suit & Formalwear, Trousers
• Shoes & Boots – Boots, Smart shoes, Casual shoes, and Trainers
• Bags and Accessories – Hats, gloves & Scarves, Bags, Watches, Ties, and Belts
• Nightwear & Underwear – Underwear, loungewear, nightwear, slippers, socks
• Men’s grooming – skincare products, hair care, beard care, aftershave, shaving

Kids wear

• Girls – Coats & Jackets, Dresses, Shoes & Boots, Nightwear, Hats, Gloves & Scarves, Tops & t-shirts, occasion wear, sweatshirts & fleeces
• Boys – Coats & Jackets, Shoes & Boots, Nightwear, Tops & t-shirts, Hats, gloves & Scarves, Occasion wear, Trousers, Sweatshirts & fleeces
• Babies – Coats & Jackets, Dresses, Sleepsuits & Bodysuits, Newborn essentials, Outfits
• School Uniform – Girls’ school uniform, Boys’ school uniform, school shoes, and school bags

Gift & Toys

• Gift by occasion – valentine gift, anniversary gifts, birthday gifts christening gifts, wedding gifts and more
• Gift by recipient – gift for her, gift for him, gift for kids, and more
• Toys by category – outdoor toys, art & craft toys, baby & toddler toys, dolls, dressing up & pretend play, games & puzzles, LEGO, and more

Home

• Bedding- Bed linen, Duvet covers and pillow cases, Duvets, Sheets, Pillows, and Kids’ bedding
• Lighting – Ceiling lights, Table lights and Floor lamps
• Kitchen & Dining – Tableware, Pots & Pans, Kitchen utensils, Glassware, Cutlery, Cafetieres
• Home Accessories – Artificial flowers, Candles and diffusers, Mirrors, Clocks, Towels & bath mats, Bathroom accessories, Decorative accessories, Wall & art pictures, Photo frames, and Wallpaper
• Home Furnishings – Curtains, Cushions, Throws and Blankets
• Luggage – Suitcases and Cabin luggage

Furniture

• Sofas & Chairs – Corner sofas, Armchairs, loveseats, footstools, Sofa beds, 2 – 4 seater sofas
• Living room Furniture – Coffee table, Side table, Nest of tables, Sideboards & Cabinets, Shelves, Bookcases
• Bedroom Furniture – Beds, Mattresses, Headboards, Wardrobes, Bedside tables& cabinets, Dressing tables, Chest of drawers, and Storage
• Dining & Kitchen furniture – Dining tables, Dining chairs, Dining sets, Bar stools

Electricals

• Small appliances – kettles, Toasters, Coffee machines, Irons, Juicers, Blenders & Smoothie makers, Slow cookers & rice cookers, Fryers, Grills, Food processors & Mixers
• Household Appliance – Cookers, Ovens, and hobs, Microwaves, Dishwashers, Fridges & Freezers, Fans & Humidifiers, Heating, Air Conditioning, Washing machine &tumble dryers
• Beauty & Health Electricals – Hair styling, Electric toothbrushes, Mens shavers, Men’s grooming electrical, Hair dryers, Hair straighteners, Massage, and more
• Audio, Vision & technology – Audio, Headphones, Fitnes & activity trackers, Phones & accessories, Laptops, tablets & computers, Monitors & Printers, TV & home cinema

Inventory Size

The wide product range of Debenhams shows that you can get different fashion products in the store. However, while having different products types is important, it is equally important to have a large inventory size for each product type. That is, you need a large selection to browse through when you want to buy any particular product. With a large selection of items, you’ll be more likely to find an item that matches your preference and budget.

In this regard, Debenhams also does very well. They have a humongous amount of items in almost every product section. For example, at this time of writing, in the women’s category, there were about 6,000 different styles of tops, over 5,500 different styles of dresses. The men’s category also held a large inventory; there were over 1,500 styles of Coats and Jackets, over 740 styles of trousers, and over 300 jeans.

Suffice it to say that, you’ll be spoilt with choices in Debenhams. With a large inventory size to choose from, you’ll find items you like no matter your budget.

Price and Related Policies

Prices

The price of items in a store is an important consideration when looking at stores because you will not want to pay over the tops for any item. Thus, the ideal store will have items whose prices are perceived as low and affordable.

Debenhams does well in this regard. Their prices are not the lowest in the market, but you’ll find that they are very competitive prices. You’ll find that you’ll be able to get fine pieces at pocket-friendly prices. For example, at the time of writing this review, many of the women’s tops were in the £6.00 – £30.00 range, while their dresses start from about £20 to around £100. The affordable items did not stop with the women’s items; in the men’s category, you’ll find Coats and Jackets ranging from around £35 to £130; many of the tailored trousers were priced at £15 – £30; while many of the jeans went for £30 – £80.

Promotions

Promotions offer customers the opportunity to get products for free or for less than their full prices. Who doesn’t like a cost-saving offer? I sure do. And there are many shoppers like me because customers are known to jump at promotional offers. Thus, the ideal fashion shop should offer many promotions.

If there is one area where Debenhams totally aced it, it is in promotions; they offer a ton of cost-saving offers. At the time of writing this review, upon getting to the landing page of their website, we found a “Top Offers” section that advertised many offers that including:

• 15% off a great range of fragrances and make-up
• 20% off designer lingerie
• 20% off women’s handbags
• Up to 30% off new season womenswear
• Buy 1 get 1 half price men’s denim brands
• Up to 30% off kidswear

As we entered the product categories to browse listings, we saw other offers that included: up to 30% off women’s knitwear, and up to half price women’s wear. We also found 3 for 2 women knickers where you pay the price of two and get three knickers. In the men’s category, some hidden offers were: up to half price shoes and boots, and 40% off Calvin Klein underwear.