Debenhams Group Moves Fulfilment Back to Burnley in GXO Logistics Partnership, Creating 1,200 Jobs

Debenhams Group will move its fulfilment operations back to Burnley through a global distribution partnership with GXO Logistics, a move expected to create over 1,200 jobs. Retail Technology Innovation Hub reported the announcement on October 26, 2026.

Debenhams Group's Burnley Fulfilment Return

Debenhams Group, whose brands include Debenhams, PrettyLittleThing, boohoo, MAN and Karen Millen, said Burnley served as its primary distribution location for over a decade. Dan Finley, CEO at 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 Logistics will run the Burnley facility under a new agreement to oversee Debenhams Group's global third-party distribution.

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."

Debenhams Group's Asset-Light Distribution Moves

According to akta.pro company records, Debenhams Group sublet boohoo's former US distribution centre in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania to ID Logistics in June 2026. The 1.1 million sq. ft. facility was sublet for about 8.5 years at roughly $9.5 million in annual rent, generating a £40 million non-cash exceptional credit. The same records show a June 2026 royalty-based licensing deal with Revolution Beauty for beauty and fragrance products across PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen and boohooMAN.

Debenhams Group's Recent Partnerships

Debenhams Group launched Storfund's Daily Advance cash flow solution on October 21, 2026, giving its 30,000+ brand partners daily access to sales revenue ahead of the Christmas trading period, Retail Technology Innovation Hub reported. Steve Rothwell joined the group's board as an Independent Non-Executive Director in September 2026, the same outlet reported. Debenhams Group reaffirmed its full-year outlook on September 21, 2026, after first-half GMV rose 1.8% to £864 million and adjusted EBITDA increased 13.9% to £24 million, B2B Marketplace reported.

Debenhams Group's Sheffield Transition Timeline

Debenhams Group expects to continue operating from its Sheffield distribution centre until early 2027, ahead of the transfer to Burnley.