Debenhams asks for rent holiday as shoppers shun streets

Footfall in shops down 31% on last year as concern over coronavirus infection bitesCoronavirus - live updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageDebenhams has asked landlords for an immediate five-month rent holiday as the retail industry faces “unprecedented pressures” because of the coronavirus pandemic.The UK department store chain is already in the midst of a major financial restructuring process, and has closed 22 stores. Another 28 of its remaining 141 stores are expected to close