THE GROUP, which owns Debenhams, PrettyLittleThing, boohoo, MAN and Karen Millen, used Burnley as its primary distribution location for over a decade.

GXO will run the Burnley facility under a new agreement covering Debenhams Group’s global third-party distribution, and has already started recruiting.

In September, the group sold its Sheffield distribution centre to Primark for £90 million. It expects to keep operating from Sheffield until early 2027, ahead of the transfer to Burnley.

Dan Finley, CEO of Debenhams Group, said: “Burnley has played an important role in the group’s history, as the primary distribution location for over a decade. We’re excited to be combining our years of experience operating in the town with GXO’s fulfilment expertise, to support the next phase of the group’s growth.”

Russell Atkinson, managing director of fashion and apparel at GXO UK&I, said: “We’re excited to begin this new partnership with Debenhams, bringing GXO’s retail logistics expertise and global network to support its continued growth.”

Oliver Ryan, MP for Burnley, Padiham and Brierfield, added: “This is great news for Burnley and another vote of confidence in our town.”