Debenhams has confirmed it has entered administration, placing question marks over the future of its stores and 22,000 staff.
The firm has appointed administrators from the FRP Advisory to oversee the process, after announcing it had filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators on Monday.
Debenhams' 142 UK stores remain closed in line with Government guidance and the company said it will work to "re-open and trade as many stores as possible" when restrictions are lifted.
Debenhams chief executive Stefaan Vansteenkiste said: "In these unprecedented circumstances the appointment of the administrators will protect our business, our employees, and other important stakeholders, so that we are in a position to resume trading from our stores