Witney News - Debenhams Store Boss Has Local Connection

Debenhams Store Boss Has Local Connection

Work is underway on a new 14,400 sq.ft. ‘Desire by Debenhams’ store at Witney’s Marriott’s Close development. The store is due to open on 29th October, creating 35 new jobs for Witney and West Oxfordshire locals.

Sandra Coulthard, who worked as a deputy store manager at Reading Debenhams for the past two years, takes the helm as store manager. She was store manager at Boots where she fast tracked its store management programme, going from part-time to store manager in seven years.

She comments: “I’ve got a soft spot for the town, as I remember it from when my parents used to live here, so when I heard we were planning to open a store, I jumped at the chance to head it up. It’s such an unspoilt part of the world with a traditional market town feel. I am hoping Debenhams will help to attract more shoppers into the area and enhance prosperity for everyone.”

Sandra, who is married with two sons, has already boosted Witney’s property market by purchasing an apartment on the Marriott’s Close development, which will be ready at the end of September. She says: “I couldn’t resist the opportunity to become a resident in the town and plan to fully immerse myself in community life.” She has also joined the Witney Local Business Forum.

Debenhams offers a strong mix of exclusive beauty brands and signature Designer at Debenhams fashion and accessories that will appeal to local shoppers, looking for something a little bit different. Womens’ and mens’ fashions will include from J.Jasper Conran, Betty Jackson.Black, Rocha John Rocha, Star by Julien Macdonald and Jeff Banks, whilst the beauty department will comprise International makeup brand, Bare Minerals, as well as Benefit, Clarins and Clinique.

The store is currently recruiting for full, part and temporary Christmas positions and is hosting an open day on 15th August at Witney Job Centre from 10am to 4pm. Vacancies include supervisors, sales assistants and sales advisers. Anyone interested in enquiring about a position can drop in on the day.

Trading hours for the store and development are yet to be confirmed.

Desire is a small format store which stocks womenswear, lingerie, women’s accessories, beauty and childrenswear. The new Witney store will also stock a small range of menswear for the first time. Desire stores are typically around 15,000 sq ft compared to an average of about 75,000 sq ft for a department store.