The fancy dress shop was set ablaze during the London riots.
By Natasha Barr and Nicolas Atkin
Debenhams has offered to rehouse Party Superstores after the Clapham Junction fancy dress shop was set ablaze in the London riots, a company spokesperson confirmed yesterday.
Ria Mundell said: “The Store is set to open around October 8 in 2500 square feet in Debenhams.”
Debenhams made the offer at a meeting of local businesses organised by Wandsworth Council in the aftermath of the riots
The proposed reopening will be two months to the day after Party Superstores, established in 1994, lost most of its stock including several rare items in the arson attack in August.
With the windows still charred and boarded up, the building will take years to repair.
Along with the proposed move to Debenhams, Party Superstores will reopen downstairs in next-door-neighbours Dub Vendor.
The reggae record store accelerated plans to shut the shop and focus on online business after water damage in the basements caused by fire hoses.
Party Superstores are currently renovating the premises and aim to simultaneously open with their outlet in Debenhams.
The move comes as Wandsworth Council step up their efforts to help local businesses affected by the riots get back on their feet.
Wandsworth Councillor Ravi Govindia said on Friday: “The Council’s Economic Development Office were assisting businesses on the day and immediately following the unrest.
“Business continues to receive support, both financially and otherwise, in accessing compensation and business rates relief.”
However, John Ruske, Town Centre Improvement Scheme Manager, said that the uptake of the grants was “less than expected”.
A total of three local businesses have accepted the offer, while several others, including Party Superstores, opted instead to take insurance payouts.
Party Superstores supports Street Kids Rescue. Donations can be made at www.streetkidsrescue.org
