Debenhams is on the brink of collapse after its bosses confirmed it has filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators, potentially affecting two Kent stores.

The struggling department store was reportedly considering the move last week to protect the company against legal claims from creditors during the coronavirus outbreak.

However, the move may affect the 22,000 workers employed by the company - who are currently on furlough - and the two remaining stores in Kent.

As part of a re-structuring process, the chain closed outlets in Ashford, Chatham, Canterbury and Folkestone earlier this year, despite an ongoing court case.

Of the 142 remaining stores across the UK, only two have survived in the county, in Gravesend and Broadstairs.

A company spokesman said on Friday that the owners remained confidant and supportive of the business.

They said: "Like all retailers, Debenhams is making contingency plans reflecting the extraordinary current circumstances.

"Our owners and lenders remain highly supportive and whatever actions we may take will be with a view to protecting the business during the current situation."

Andy Barr co-founder of www.Alertr.co.uk, said that the : "Debenhams has always had such a huge presence on the high street but it still felt inevitable that they were going to be one of the retailers who got hit hard by dwindling interest from consumers; department stores have struggled to keep up with cheaper, online alternatives for years now and the current climate could well be the final nail in the coffin.

"It is a hugely testing time for the high-street; even prior to the Coronavirus pandemic the high-street was in a state of disarray, with a new retailer seemingly going into admission each week but surviving this unprecedented event will be a struggle for even the biggest retailers.

"Every business needs to be willing to adapt to the changing needs of the consumer and they need to do so quickly, that being said, it could well be too late for the department store giant.

"Although they are still actively trading online, it does seem a matter of when, and not if, we see the end of Debenhams.”

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