One of Hull’s biggest department stores has marked its 50th anniversary with a major modernisation programme.

 The project represents significant investment by Debenhams and establishes the store as a pioneer in its UK network. “We are bringing in premium brands and everything is bang up to date,” said Steven Marsay, Manager of the store.                    

“This store has the most up-to-date shop-fittings that Debenhams has on every single brand. Estee Lauder was the first display of its kind in the country when it opened in July.”

Steven is in his second spell at the Hull store. He left six years ago to manage the store at the White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds and returned last year to oversee the modernisation programme.

“The customers have been amazed by what they are getting as part of the modernisation,” he said. “When you look at what we have done over 110,000 square feet you realise what we have got. It’s the type of store you will find in all the premium shopping centres and city centres.”

Kathryn Shillito, Hull BID City Centre Manager, said: “This investment shows that Debenhams share our confidence in our city centre. “We’ve been looking forward to the modernisation programme since it was announced last year. I have no doubt that it will benefit other businesses by attracting more people into the city centre.”

 SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS: The cosmetics department at Debenhams.