EMOTIONAL store staff came together to open their doors for the very last time.
Debenhams first opened their doors as the Royals Shopping Centre opened theirs in March 1988.
For 33 years it’s been one of Southends’ favourite department stores. Queues of people waited for the shutters to open on Friday, there was a real sense of sadness both from staff and the public.
Tears were visible in members of the team, some of whom have been at the centre since the start.
Dawn Jeakings talking to staff
Dawn Jeakings, centre manager, said: “It has been an emotional journey, for all of us - an end of an era, and a really sad day for retail.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish store manager Daniel Stone and all of the team all the very best for their next chapter, it has been an absolute pleasure to work with everyone over the years.”
Debenhams will close all stores by the end of next week which ends a 242 year history.
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