Debenhams Creates Divorce Registry

by Annie Scott (RSS feed)
Jan 19th 2010 at 9:02PM

British department store Debenhams has a new kind of registry: Divorce.

In recent years as I've shopped for bachelorette party goodies, I've noticed a swell in tacky garb brazenly boasting "Newly Divorced" and "RIP Marriage," for themed parties of a different kind. The idea that divorce is something to celebrate is a controversial one. According to DivorceRate.org, the divorce rate in America for a first marriage is 41%. The statistics are worse for second marriages, with 60% ending in divorce, and a staggering 73% of third marriages ending as well.

It's hard to speak generally about divorce, as each one is so different, but whether it's amicable or not, it signals the end of an era. Reuters reports that Debenhams new registry is "for those wishing to help a loved one with the pain."

So. Salt and pepper shakers?

Debenhams' head of retail services Peter Moore gave this statement: "A divorce means that one partner will be leaving the marital home and therefore be left without any essentials in their new house." The recommended gift list includes items like "cookware, cutlery, crockery, glasses, bed linen, towels, small electrical goods such as toasters and microwaves as well as non-iron shirts, large plasma screen TVs and computer games," according to Reuters. The registry has yet to appear online.

[via Reuters]

Tags: Debenhams, divorce, registry

Filed under: Wealth

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

fbernstein Jan 20th 2010 7:37AM

I think that this is a fine thought. People have showers for new babies when the mother and father do not fall under the law. People starting out all over again or for the first time can use the help to get started in their new life.
Take Good Care All,
Lydia

phoenix56 Jan 20th 2010 9:34AM

They need help too.

jschwartz Jan 21st 2010 9:50AM

A divorce registry is a great way to help individuals going through a divorce rebuild. Some people lose half of their households. What better way to help than by replacing some of what has been lost. It alleviates some of the financial burden associated with divorce as well. Check out DivorceCandy, a new site that just launched offering divorce registries, articles, and a community for divorcees, their friends, and families to start over, stay positive, and move forward.

Gene Letson Jan 20th 2010 11:13PM

A year ago, I had made the suggestion to Bed Bath and Beyond, that they open up a Divorce registry. This is a good idea for at least 5 reasons:
1.) It would fill a well documented need where each of the couple has half of what they had before. 2.) It would make a point of passage, which is the start of something new, and important to highlight. 3.) It would assist with some of the healing and uncertainly experienced during these times. 4.) It is an acceptable and comfortable way where friends can extend their love to friend at a time when they may really need the affection and support of their group. 5.) It will make another stream of income from stores providing the service.

nkublay Jan 21st 2010 1:23AM

This would work in usa but only if it were to be marketed at the males; it definitely does not make any sense for the females... why? because the women almost always keep the house and whatever is in it, anyway... the poor american guys walk out with a suitcase in most cases that is if their bitter wives don't burn or shred them into pieces, of course, lol... in a typical american divorce; dividing in half means the guys paycheck, whatever he owns now, owned in the past, and will own in the future.... lol Britain is lightyears ahead in family law, as well as most other social issues, what do you expect...?

diane Jan 21st 2010 5:15PM

I work at a luxury town home development. Many of our buyers are newly
divorced women. Contrary to popular belief many men are buying the wife out and sending her to find new home. She buys new, warranties in place and has appealing lifestyle.The divorce registry is long overdue...it would be healing and pratical ...I think Gene is right and Bed Bath & Beyond is dropping the ball

Tim Orris Jan 21st 2010 10:15PM

Hot damn, a list of women on the rebound. Easy pickens, and you can see what kind of taste they have, also. Now if we can get a recent picture

Barb Jan 24th 2010 9:21AM

Yet another marketing ploy to wrench money from people's wallets. Nothing more.

Elly Jan 24th 2010 12:53PM

I think its a good idea. You loose so much in a divorce and if you were married to a drunkin asshole like I was. He throws stuff out just to hurt you. On the intial move out you cant take everything that you would like too. He threw all my stuff out then He killed the dog and then He even threw out the kids things to make room for his immigrant whore from Argentina and her rotten brat. As things turned out the brat had him thrown in jail for child abuse. What goes around comes around. Serves you right you low life.

Elly Jan 24th 2010 12:55PM

I think its a good idea. You loose so much in a divorce and if you
were married to a drunkin asshole like I was. He throws stuff out
just to hurt you. On the intial move out you cant take everything
that you would like too. He threw all my stuff out then He killed the
dog and then He even threw out the kids things to make room for his
immigrant whore from Argentina and her rotten brat. As things turned
out the brat had him thrown in jail for child abuse. What goes around
comes around. Serves you right you low life.