Debenhams begins strategic warehouse restructuring with strong focus on automation

This included warehouse automation and the closure of its distribution centre at Northampton and certain regional warehousing facilities.

Total exceptional items before taxation recognised during the 26 weeks ended 3 March 2018 in relation to the strategic warehouse restructuring were £6.5 million.

The Report read: “Capital expenditure was £60.3 million during the half compared to £47.5 million in the same period last year. This is in line with our plans and is due to an increased focus on warehouse automation.”

Sergio Bucher, CEO, said: “The UK retail environment is undergoing profound change, and with the help of some important new senior hires, we are moving faster and working harder than ever to ensure Debenhams is well‐placed to outperform in this new retail world. We expect no help from the external environment, so we are focused on delivering our Debenhams Redesigned strategy, aiming to mitigate difficult trading conditions through self‐help initiatives.”