In addition to the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the Republic of Ireland, Debenhams plc was a British department store chain that also operated as a franchise in seven Middle Eastern nations.[4] It began as a single shop in London in 1778 and expanded to 178 locations throughout those nations. It also became the owner of the Danish department store chain Magasin du Nord. During its last years, its head office was located on Oxford Street in London, on the grounds of its flagship store. Furniture, home goods, cosmetics, and middle-to-high-end apparel were among the products offered.