THE new boss of department store Debenhams has unveiled plans to close 11 warehouses and put up to 10 stores under review in a move impacting at least 220 jobs.

Sergio Bucher, who took over as chief executive last October, outlined an overhaul that will see the group shut one of its three distribution centres run by DHL and 10 smaller in-house warehouses.

A further 10 of its 176 stores could also be axed over the next five years.

It is not yet known if stores in the Square, Bournemouth or New Bond Street, Weymouth will be affected.

The group announced a 6.4 per cent drop in pre-tax profits to £87.8 million for the six months to March 4.

Mr Bucher said that while none of its stores are unprofitable, those under review have been identified as possibly becoming loss-making in the future.

He said he wants to de-clutter stores after customers complained it was like a "treasure hunt" shopping in some branches, while also adding more in-store beauty makeovers, including nail and blow dry bars, as well as a possible beauty services at customers' homes.

"This will deliver a step-change in our customer experience," said Mr Bucher.