As seen by Drapers, a letter was sent to suppliers from the department stores chief executive Stefaan Vansteenkiste ,stating that Debenhams was aware that the suppliers may have been excepting to receive payment from them but that consistent with its other suppliers, it would be deferring all historic concession balances for 30 days.

Vansteenkiste stated he regretted the measure but said it was necessary to mitigate the government mandated shut down of the Debenhams store estate.

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The letter also stated that Debenhams was managing to maintain its online business, and it intended to continue to do so until it was no longer possible.

Debenahms extended its payment terms on March 20 to wholesale suppliers and then joined the fast-growing list of retailers temporarily shutting stores amid coronavirus pandemic.

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