Electronics Boutique Fills Debenhams? Software Slot

High street retailer Electronics Boutique has filled the concession slot in Debenhams, left vacant after the demise of Anglo Corporation, by securing the software contract.

Electronics Boutique CEO John Steinbrecher confirmed that the retailer had won the contract, which will initially cover 16 Debenhams stores.

?This is just the beginning of the relationship. Debenhams has 92 stores in all and we are interested in others,? he said. Steinbrecher added that Electronics Boutique may run some concessions within toy departments during Christmas.

He said Debenhams had decided to split the concession so it would have a hardware partner and a software partner. Debenhams was understood to be unhappy with the way Anglo subsidiary Silica was running the concession as it was not doing a satisfactory job in both sectors.

Debenhams ended its concession last month, giving Anglo a week to close its 17 outlets (PC Dealer, 12 March). Electronics Boutique is expected to take on Anglo?s former retail staff.

A Debenhams representative said: ?A number of people were interested [in the contract] and Electronics Boutique was the best offer in service.?

Debenhams is expected to announce shortly who has won the hardware contract.