Debenhams Department Stores moved one step closer to opening its doors of its flagship store in Malta. The developers of the new The Point shopping centre at Tigné Point have handed over the keys of the store to United Departments Stores Ltd in order to commence the works. With almost 3,000 sqm of space, Debenhams will be the anchor tenant at The Point Shopping Centre, due to open in Spring 2010.

The department store, which is Malta’s first Debenhams, will be operated under a franchise agreement by United Department Stores Ltd, a fully-owned subsidiary of United Group Ltd. With over 150 department stores in the UK and Ireland and over another 50 internationally, Debenhams is a leading department store group specialising in key product categories, such as womenswear, menswear, kidswear and homeware.

Fit-out works at the Debenhams site are currently in progress. The design has been entrusted to the international company responsible for designing all new international Debenhams stores, reflecting the franchise’s concept of incorporating the latest design elements to create an environment which is aesthetically pleasing and enhancing the customers experience whilst shopping at Debenhams.

Simon Gatt Baldacchino, Managing Director of United Department Stores Ltd, said this is an exciting moment for the company as preparations for the opening are in full swing. “The department store’s management team is already in place and we are currently in the process of recruiting the sales assistants. At Debenhams we have the opportunity to offer some exciting jobs which come with a training package to ensure that all staff members are skilled to give an efficient and professional service to meet the personal needs of our customers,” said Simon Gatt Baldacchino.

“Works at The Point are progressing well and we are delighted to be at the stage of handing over the keys to our anchor tenant,” said Tigne Mall Ltd’s General Manager Edwin Borg. “We are now looking forward to unveiling this exciting project early next year.”