IT S been a sad week for Colchester. Debenhams, one of the town s largest stores, is officially closing as part of a multi-million pound takeover by fashion retailer Boohoo. The online giant has bought the brand but is not taking on its stores or workforce. Debenhams stores will therefore close for good as part of a structured winding down of the business. As many as 12,000 staff are set to lose their jobs, including those who work in the Culver Street West store, in Culver Square Shopping Centre. It s a huge blow for the town, given that Debenhams has been one of Colchester s favourite and most popular stores since opening in October 1987.