Dan Finley, CEO of Debenhams Group, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to Burnley. Burnley has played an important role in the group’s history, as the primary distribution location for over a decade. We’re excited to be combining our years of experience operating in the town with GXO’s fulfilment expertise, to support the next phase of the Group’s growth.
In September, the Group announced the £90 million sale of its Sheffield distribution centre to Primark. Debenhams Group expects to continue operating from Sheffield until early 2027, ahead of the transfer to Burnley.
GXO will run the Burnley facility under a new agreement to oversee Debenhams Group’s global third-party distribution. The partnership will combine the Group’s longstanding knowledge of the site with GXO’s expertise in managing fulfilment operations for leading retail businesses.
Russell Atkinson, Managing Director of Fashion and Apparel, GXO UK&I, said: “We’re excited to begin this new partnership with Debenhams, bringing GXO’s retail logistics expertise and global network to support its continued growth.”
Oliver Ryan, MP for Burnley, Padiham and Brierfield, said: “This is great news for Burnley and another vote of confidence in our town. The move will deliver jobs, apprenticeships and huge economic benefits in the years ahead. Debenhams Group have gone through a strong turnaround, and I’m glad to have them back as a local partner”.
Councillor Afrasiab Anwar, Leader of Burnley Council, said: “To see Debenhams Group now choosing to return, following the sale of the Sheffield distribution centre, is nothing short of a massive win for Burnley. It shows confidence in our borough, belief in our workforce, and recognition of the momentum we have built together. I want to place on record my huge thanks to our Council officers, whose tireless and highly professional work made this possible; to the Debenhams Group board for believing in Burnley once again; and to all politicians who put party politics aside and worked as one for the good of the borough. This is Burnley at its best, united, ambitious, and determined to secure opportunities for our residents.”
GXO has already started recruiting. Further information and how to apply can be found at https://gxo.jobs/Burnley.
Photo by Ron Lach
