British Home Stores Ltd

Sectors:

  • Distribution - retailing Furniture, carpets, home furnishings, etc, retailing
  • Distribution - retailing Wearing apparel, footwear, haberdashery, mercery, etc, retailing

Notes:

Traces origins to 1928 when opened the first of a chain of stores that aimed to use the price model of F W Woolworth Ltd, which early on became a chief competitor. 1932 converted to a public company. From 1930s focused more on clothing and soft furnishings. Emerged as a leading UK chain store business. 1986 merged with Habitat Mothercare Group Plc to form Storehouse Plc. 2000 British Home Stores acquired from Storehouse by (Sir) Philip Green and rebranded BhS. Prospered initially but failed to adapt to new retailing environment dominated by internet sales. Disposed of to Dominic Chappell for nominal sum and subsequently collapsed with huge pension fund liabilities severely damaging Green's standing

Groups: