Debenhams Reveals British Tourists are Marking Their Territory on the Beach

LONDON, June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Debenhams, the high street store, has revealed that super-sized beach towels, able to occupy extra room on crowded shores and sun loungers are soaring in popularity.

Customers are using them to mark out more territory during holidays, providing a better defence against incursions from rival tourists fighting for space in the most popular resorts.

The new towels are up to 65 per cent bigger than normal, and designed using distinctive, bold, bright colours, making it obvious that the space is already occupied, even when the owner isn't there.

Debenhams spokeswoman, Michelle Dowdall, said: "We're calling it The Churchill Factor. British tourists have never forgotten his war time rallying call.

"They're more determined than ever to 'fight them on the beaches' but this time they're doing so using an entirely new Maximum Occupation technique."

Just two of these beach towels, side by side, will occupy and block off more space than three normal sized towels did in the past. This means that a family of four British tourists, each armed with a super-sized towel, is now able to mark out up almost two thirds more prized beach side territory than before, putting competitors at a distinct disadvantage.

Applied on a national scale, it means that British tourists could be occupying up to 65 per cent more room on many of the best holiday beaches across the world this year.

Michelle Dowdall continued: "We don't believe that rival tourists will take the introduction of bigger British beach towels lying down. It's bound to spark the equivalent of an arms race in the beach towel industry, with a trend towards even bigger more vibrant models. However, none of this should create any extra tension during the family break. Experts tell us that the main reason for arguments on the beach is the lack of space between rival factions.

"Bigger towels will ensure that each holiday maker has greater personal space. They will be a force for peace rather than conflict.

"The key, as always, will be to get to prized areas early."

Sales are increasing an average of 10% week on week, as families get set for their summer holidays.

The supersized towels measure 180cm by 90cm. Until now, beach towels have measures just 150cm by 70cm - a 65 per cent difference.    

About Debenhams:

Debenhams is a leading department stores group with a strong presence in key product categories including womenswear such as sunglasses, mens fashion, childrenswear, home and health and beauty.

Debenhams is the second largest department store chain in the UK.

Debenhams operates 161 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Debenhams also has 61 international franchise stores in 24 countries and six Magasin stores in Denmark.

Designers at Debenhams include Preen, Jonathan Saunders, Jonathan Kelsey, Roksanda Ilincic, Ted Baker, Jeff Banks, Jasper Conran, Erickson Beamon, FrostFrench, Henry Holland, Betty Jackson, Ben de Lisi, Julien Macdonald, Melissa Odabash, Jane Packer, Pearce Fionda, Janet Reger, John Rocha, Lisa Stickley, Eric Van Peterson and Matthew Williamson.

PR Contact:
Michelle Dowdall
PR Manager - Lingerie, Childrenswear and Home
Debenhams
*33 Wigmore Street
London
W1U 1QX
+44(0)20-7529-0449 (66449)
http://www.debenhams.com