September 2012 has seen the opening of the first Debenhams department store in Moscow. Spread over 4000 sq. m. of the MEGA Belaya Dacha shopping mall, this is the quintessence of Britishness in the heart of Russia.

Founded in London in 1778, Debenhams has been a household name since 1905 when its first store opened the doors to the visitors. This is currently the second largest department store chain in the United Kingdom, spanning over 160 shops across Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Since 1997 Debenhams have been developing globally through franchise stores: there are now 65 stores in 24 countries worldwide, including Russia. In May 2012 Debenhams were chosen the leader in the Best Department Store category according to Lorraine High Street Fashion Awards on ITV Channel.

Experienced retailers, Debenhams appear on the Russian market exactly at the time when the trend for "universal shopping" is on the rise. More and more Russians, especially in Moscow, prefer to visit trading centres and shopping malls, particularly on weekends. A shopping centre is a place both for leisure and shopping and is frequented by families.

Debenhams pride themselves on family-friendly shopping: there is a special childrenswear section in each store. A store at the MEGA Belaya Dacha shopping mall presents the well-known departments: Women's, Men's and Kids Clothes, Footwear, Home and Furniture goods, Lingerie, Toys, and Beauty and Perfume. For the latter Debenhams partnered with one of Russia's largest Beauty and Perfume chains, Rive Gauche.

While introducing the Russians to the British high-street family-friendly shopping traditions, Debenhams, represented by the Russian company Debruss, aims at bringing the best of British design to the Russian market. Long before H&M or TopShop Debenhams have recognised the demand for affordable designer clothes, and this trend now come to Russia. Among designers who traditionally work with Debenhams are Julien Macdonald, Matthew Williamson, Jenny Packham, Henry Holland, Jonathan Saunders, Jasper Conran, and John Rocha. Their lines will now be available for Moscow shoppers.

Nick Hill, the Managing Director of Debruss, who has many years of experience in retail sector working for the likes of Selfridges, Harrods and Liberty of London, plans to open 7 stores across Russia in the next 5 years. Meanwhile, Mr Hill promises that e-commerce channel for Debenhams in Russia will start operating even earlier , in 2013.

An all-around good news, it will be most heart-warming for foreign residents, as yet another native British retailer arrives in Russia. There is now one more reason to feel yourself at home in Moscow.

Moreover, with the arrival of Debenhams there is a chance that seasonal sales will gradually become a part of Russian shopping habits. Right now, for instance, a mid-season sale has started at the newly opened store. From October 18 to November 4 there is a 50% discount on over 6000 items in-store, including Lingerie, Clothes, Home and Furniture goods, Footwear and Bags.

Debenhams Store is located at the MEGA Belaya Dacha shopping mall:
Moscow Region
Kotelniki town
5, First Pokrovsky Passage

Phone: +7(495) 788-34-98

The store works daily from 10am until 11pm. On Friday and Saturday the store works until midnight.

Russia-IC is grateful to Debruss PR department for supplying the information.