A HIGH street retailer is planning to reopen the vast majority of its UK stores next week.

The doors to Debenhams will be reopened at three locations in Northern Ireland and 50 across the UK over the coming weeks.

The company's Blackburn store, located in the town centre, is scheduled to re-open on June 15.

Preparations for the reopening are well under way, with strict social distancing and hygiene procedures being implemented across all stores in adherence with the latest Government guidance and instruction.

Stores in Scotland and Wales will reopen once government restrictions allow.

Steven Cook, Managing Director, Debenhams, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming customers back to our stores in the coming weeks. From the installation of perspex screens at till points to the roll-out of social distancing procedures and PPE, we have been working hard to ensure our colleagues and customers can work and shop with confidence. Our reopening plans follow the successful conclusion of lease negotiations on 120 stores, meaning that the vast majority of our stores will be reopening.”