Lindsay Conway, director of social services in the Presbyterian Church in Northern Ireland, finds it "very bizarre."
Debenhams sees it as a social service and an opportunity to drive sales in its stores.
The "it" here is Debenhams' Divorce Gift List registry service, which was launched earlier this week to help people who have ended their marriages get on with the rest of their lives.
Peter Moore, head of retail services at Debenhams, told the Belfast Telegraph, “With so many couples now living together before they marry, the Wedding Gift List concept is now regarded as more of an upgrade service, rather than stocking up the first home with the basics.
“However, a divorce means that one partner will be leaving the marital home and therefore be left without any essentials in their new house.”
Among the items the recently divorced often need include dishes, glasses, linens, towels, microwaves and toasters.
"Divorcing can be an expensive time and registering for a Divorce Gift List means that family and friends can help the newly separated begin their new life," Mr. Moore told the Telegraph.
Richard Dodd of the British Retail Consortium, told CNN, "It's about focusing on what your customers need and want, and of course looking for new opportunities."
According to CNN, Debenhams had not signed anyone up to its divorce registry as of its report yesterday.
Discussion Questions: Do you see divorce registries such as that offered by Debenhams in the U.K. taking off in America? Is this an untapped business opportunity for retailers?