DEBENHAMS suffered a £10.1 million (€11.5m) first half hit from the restructuring of its Irish operations, but still saw its half-year profits exceed market expectations.

Department store chain Debenhams today said it expected to deliver a rise in annual profits, despite a revamp of its shops hitting sales.

One of Britain's leading female retailers is to leave a senior role at Debenhams after less than a year, the department store announced today.

Debenhams slashed its shareholder payout today as it focused efforts on coping with the consumer downturn and cutting a £1bn (€1.2bn) debt mountain.

DEBENHAMS has reported a good performance at its Irish shops over Christmas, while Tesco’s Irish sales also appear strong.

Department store chain Debenhams has approached a number of continental retailers about the possibility of a merger, it was reported today.

Many company directors are nervous about what policies British chancellor Gordon Brown will introduce when, as expected, he takes over as prime minister, a business leader said today.

Department store group Debenhams said today it expected to report improved market share and profits following the Christmas and New Year period.