By Chris Story

Last updated at 13:41, Monday, 02 July 2012

Debenhams bosses say a multi-million pound revamp of its Carlisle department store remains on track for completion later this year.

Work on the project is now well underway and has been flagged as one of the firm’s successes of the past 12 months as it revealed a rise in sales.

It is good news for retailers in Carlisle as traders try to battle against the tide of problems caused by thedouble-dip recession.

That has already claimed a number of store closure casualties with negotiations ongoing in an attempt to save 83 jobs at another department store, Hoopers.

It is the first major overhaul for Debenhams since it opened as part of an expansion of The Lanes Shopping Centre 12 years ago.

As well as giving a new look to the store, thecompany says it will also bring in new brands, including Ted Baker lingerie,Nautica, Phase Eight, Urban Decay and Art Deco.

Store manager Ross Lockhart added: “A whole host of new brands and services are being introduced and with the visual improvements we’ll be making internally and externally, the store really will have the wow factor.

“Once complete, we will be able to offer our customers a one stop shop where they can find designer collections, an extensive beauty and cosmetics offer, homeware, wedding and travel services, and a new and improved store restaurant all under one roof.”

Debenhams, which also has a store in Workington, hopes the revamp will bring more customers through its doors.

Modernisation work in other outlets has brought with it an average sales lift of six per cent.

Some of the key elements of the Carlisle changes will be those to its Castle View restaurant and its cosmetics department.

A progress report on work there came as Debenhams reported a 3.9 per cent sales rise so far this financial year.

But chief executive Michael Sharp said: “Going forward there is little sign of a recovery in consumer confidence.”

At Hoopers, meanwhile, talks are understood to be ongoing between the store’s owners and Cumbrian tycoon Philip Day, who is trying to take over the Castle Street store.

It had been expected to close on June 23 but has continued trading as those negotiations continue.

Mr Day, of Edmond Castle, Hayton, is chairman of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group.

His plan for Hoopers, formerly Bulloughs, would be to include other parts of his business – Peacocks, Jane Norman, Ponden Home, Proquip and James Pringle –with a number of partner concessions in men’s and womenswear lines across a full price range and age profile.

In other Debenhams developments in the region, the firm opened a store in Dumfries this spring.

First published at 11:25, Monday, 02 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk