IT is one of the most dominant shops in the heart of Southampton.

Close to Hoglands Park, Debenhams sits on a prime city centre site, which has been a department store for decades.

But now a cloud hangs over its future after the company announced losses and plans to close 50 of its 166 stores across the county axing 4,000 jobs.

While the firm did not reveal which would stores there was still concern over what the future holds for its shops in Southampton, Winchester and Fareham.

The current Southampton store was formerly known as Edwin Jones, which opened the Queensway store 1959 after it was constructed to replace the earlier shop lost during the Blitz in 1940.

 

Yesterday civic chiefs called for company bosses to maintain the outlet which they say is vital to the city’s economy.

Bargate councillor Sarah Bogle said: “That store is really important for the city and for their big drive in online shopping at the moment.

"They get a lot of click and collect in that store and it would silly to close it. There is a big development happening in that part of the city currently, so that store is crucial for the city.”

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Meanwhile fellow ward councillor Darren Paffey, added: “Our city centre store is one of their largest stores, with a big online warehouse as well. Everyone has started moving to online shopping, but my hope is that they do not close this store. It would be a big shame and a big loss if they were to close it.”

The store is not far from a major development of the former Bargate shopping centre.

The new development by Tellon Capital will feature 24 retail and restaurant units, five retail pavilions, accommodation for 451 students and create 200 jobs.

Yesterday Debenhams said store closures will take place over a three to five year period,.

It comes after the firm recorded to a £491.5m loss in the year to September 1.

A spokesperson said: “We have identified up to 50 stores, accounting for under 15% of total sales, which are currently profitable, but where we do not see a long term future and which we intend to exit over the next three to five years.

"This is an ongoing five year programme and we are not disclosing a list of these stores.”