Colchester's Debenhams store in pictures

The department store, which first opened its doors in 1987, closed for the final time on May 15, 2021, after the firm was purchased by online retailer Boohoo for £55 million.

It was the flagship retailer in Culver Square, offering everything from shoes and shirts to perfume and purses.

During its 34-year run, the store welcomed many famous faces from the worlds of sport and showbiz.

Cheese - It was all smiles as the store opened in October 1987 (Image: Newsquest)

Under construction - The store being built in 1987 (Image: Newsquest)

Australian heartthrob Jason Donovan arrived at the store in April 1988 to a legion of loyal fans, while former Colchester United defender John White was once spotted receiving treatments in the store’s beauty hall.

Doting fans - Jason Donovan fans lined up outside Colchester's Debenhams store in April 1988 (Image: Newsquest)

Footballer - John White visited the store's beauty hall in 2012 (Image: Newsquest)

Glamour model and WAG Nicola McLean opened the lingerie brand Ultimo’s concession in Debenhams in 2008, securing a photo opportunity with Colchester-based soldiers from the Parachute Regiment.

Model - Nicola McLean with Jason Holder, Chris Hooper, and Lawrence Darlington of 2 Para in December 2008 (Image: Steve Brading)

The store was also a hub for fundraising activities with staff taking part in several fundraising drives and supporting the community over the years.

In 2004, the then manager Nick Clarke and his colleague Ann Scutcher presented £1,000 cheques to St Helena Hospice, Colchester Hospital’s special care baby unit, the Army, and a local breast cancer charity, as they set off on their bikes to cycle from Colchester to Ipswich.

Cycling - Nick Clarke and Ann Scutcher cycled from Colchester to Ipswich with Toby the bear in July 2004 (Image: Newsquest)

The team took to the saddle once again in 2009, pedalling away on static bikes to raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign.

On your bike - Debenhams staff Terry Forster and Tracy Baker raised money for Breast Cancer Campaign in October 2009 (Image: Steve Brading)

Later in 2004, St Helena Hospice once again gained the support of the Debenhams team, as colleagues held a fashion show to raise money for the charity.

Fashion show - Debenhams colleague Christine Taylor prepared for the charity fashion show in September 2004 (Image: Nigel Brown)

In 2011, the former store manager Andrew Ward bathed in 150 tins of spaghetti hoops to raise money for a breast cancer charity.

Messy - Former Debenhams manager Andrew Ward bathed in 150 tins of spaghetti hoops in June 2011 (Image: Nigel Brown)

The store prided itself on offering something for the whole family, and in 2013 Colchester’s primary school children were invited to take part in a modelling competition held in the store.

Contest - Colchester children were invited to a modelling competition in the store in June 2013 (Image: Steve Argent)

Models - Children from Year 4, Year 5, and Year 6 were invited to take part (Image: Steve Argent)

The closures of the Colchester stores, along with the rest of the Debenhams retail portfolio, in 2021 marked the end of the retailer’s 242-year history on British high streets.

Other Essex stores in Basildon, Chelmsford, and at Lakeside Shopping Centre also closed.