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'Everything must go' sale at Debenhams ahead of its closure this January

Shoppers are going crazy about a massive closing down sale at Debenhams - which even includes mannequins for £25.

Striking posters stating "everything must go" and "store closing" have been pinned against walls, boxes and shelves at the Ashford store - serving as a painful reminder that the huge department chain will soon disappear from the town.

The former cafe area is being used as a storeroom at the Ashford shop
The former cafe area is being used as a storeroom at the Ashford shop

The three-storey store in County Square will shut on Sunday, January 19, with shops in Folkestone and Canterbury going on the same day.

Chatham's high street store will close a few days earlier on Wednesday, January 15.

On the top floor of Ashford's store, empty and disorganised shelves displaying only a handful of reduced items stand in place of an area formerly packed with household goods.

The lower floors containing adult clothing still appear to be well stocked - despite many items being heavily reduced.

Even the mannequins have been marked up for sale - going for £25.

Mannequins on sale at the Ashford Debenhams
Mannequins on sale at the Ashford Debenhams

What was once was a quiet corner to enjoy a sandwich, slice of cake or a tea, now resembles a storeroom filled with boxes and clothing rails.

Muffled conversations can be heard around the flagship store, with customers noting the sadness of its closure.

As the shelves become emptier, the atmosphere in the store becomes more depressing and eerie.

It is a similar situation in Folkestone, which is also set to close on the same day.

The shelves at the town centre flagship store are almost empty, with one shopper describing the shop as "threadbare".

Stock is being flogged at discounted prices
Stock is being flogged at discounted prices

Many items have been heavily reduced, with some being discounted by as much as 80%.

And it appears bosses want no items left behind as the used mannequins are up for sale in Folkestone, too.

One shopper said: “I went in on New Year's Eve and it's basically a free-for-all. People are picking up some great bargains.

“They’ve closed off the side entrance now, and even the mannequins are for sale.

“They did say though that they are not accepting refunds or returns after New Year's.”

Mannequins on display in the Folkestone store. Picture: Dan Desborough
Mannequins on display in the Folkestone store. Picture: Dan Desborough

Debenhams first announced plans to axe 22 stores nationally in April, as part of its debt restructuring plans.

After Sunday, January 19, the only Debenhams left in the county will be found at Westwood Cross shopping centre in Broadstairs and in Gravesend.

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Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

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