Iconic Department Store in Liverpool Closes, Leaving Scousers Disappointed
It’s been almost a decade since a famous department store beloved in Liverpool for years closed its doors, leaving many customers “sad to see it go.” British Homes Stores, also known as BHS, was a staple on the UK high street, with roots dating back almost a century ago. The first-ever British Home Stores shop was opened in Brixton, London in 1928 by a group of American entrepreneurs looking to replicate the success of another now-lost brand, Woolworths, which originated in Liverpool.
Over the years, BHS became a household name, known for offering quality and value for money to its customers. The retailer expanded rapidly, opening numerous stores nationwide and employing thousands of staff, many from the Merseyside region. For decades, people flocked to their local BHS store to purchase everything from household items to clothes, gifts, and more. In Liverpool’s city center, BHS had a prominent branch on Lord Street, attracting shoppers from near and far.
In 2000, Sir Philip Green acquired BHS from Storehouse Plc for £200 million, turning the department store into a private company. Subsequently, BHS became part of Green’s Arcadia Group, joining other well-known brands like Topshop, Burton, Evans, Dorothy Perkins, and Wallis. However, despite these changes, BHS faced challenges in the retail landscape and struggled to adapt to shifting consumer preferences.
In 2016, after 88 years in operation, BHS closed its doors for the final time, marking the end of a significant chapter in British retail history. The closure left many people in Liverpool and across the UK feeling nostalgic and disappointed. At the time of its closure, there were around 160 BHS stores nationwide, but efforts to find a suitable buyer for the chain proved unsuccessful after it went into administration.
The final day of trading at BHS was a somber occasion, with shoppers and staff alike reflecting on the memories and experiences shared within the store’s walls. The atmosphere was one of sadness and nostalgia, as customers browsed through the remaining items on sale, from clothes to fixtures and fittings. The once-bustling store now stood empty, a stark contrast to its former bustling days.
As the doors closed for the last time, many people took to social media to express their fond memories of BHS and offer well-wishes to the staff who had dedicated years of service to the department store. Comments flooded in, with many recalling special moments spent shopping at BHS, from family outings to back-to-school shopping trips. The outpouring of support and nostalgia highlighted the deep connection that people felt towards the store and the impact it had on their lives.
Today, the site that once housed BHS is home to a massive H&M outlet, signaling the changing landscape of retail and the evolution of shopping trends. While the closure of BHS marked the end of an era, it also paved the way for new opportunities and experiences for consumers in Liverpool and beyond. As we look back on the legacy of BHS, we remember the joy, memories, and sense of community that the department store brought to generations of shoppers.