Debenhams begins liquidation of Hong Kong business

British multinational department store Debenhams has begun liquidation of its operations in Hong Kong, along with its operations in Ireland and Bangladesh.

The move comes a week following filing for administration in the UK, according to a report in Retail Gazette.

All of Debenhams’ Hong Kong staff will have their positions terminated as the liquidation process commences in Asia. In Ireland, liquidators have been appointed.

The firm has continued operations in Denmark under the Magasin brand, where it currently trades online despite temporary closures of its physical stores. It is intending to reopen as many of its 142 locations in England as possible once business restrictions are lifted.

The majority of Debenhams’ furloughed staff in Britain are receiving government support during the coronavirus pandemic. The firm’s administrators have said that if a court finds Debenhams responsible for staff wage liabilities, many positions may be made redundant.