CHESTER’S Debenhams store is to undergo a multi-million pound makeover, in an investment that will create 50 permanent jobs.
The Chester store is one of 20 to be modernised early next year, with a further 25 undergoing a makeover during 2013.
Together with nine new store openings scheduled over the next four years, the programme will create 4,050 new jobs across the group, which last week announced opportunities for 6,500 seasonal jobs in the run-up to Christmas.
Michael Sharp, who took over as chief executive last month, said the investment and expansion programme demonstrated the chain’s commitment to the high street.
He said: “This is a strong signal that the UK high street is alive and well and we are backing it 100%.
“It also shows a very real commitment to our clear focus on growing our UK retail business.”
The chain, which operates 163 stores in the UK and Ireland, eventually hopes to boost its UK store portfolio to 240.
