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Original poster

To not give two hoots about the demise of BHS?

272 replies

LunaLoveg00d · 25/04/2016 09:16

(Disclaimer: obviously very sad for anyone employed there who is now facing losing their jobs).

Couldn't really care less if BHS ceases to exist. They're not a patch on Debenhams or John Lewis, and are beaten by places like M&S in the market for knickers and school uniform. Haven't bought anything in there for about three years - and even then it was in a Wallis concession rather than in BHS itself.

All this harping on about 88 years of tradition on the UK high street is ridiculous - it's a company which has failed to move with the times, has no defined core shopper and which sells tat.

OP posts:
LikeDylanInTheMovies · 25/04/2016 11:50

Actually, since our local WH Smiths installed a self-service counter I'm more likely to pop in (bought a specialist magazine in there a few weeks ago).

Self service for the old "specialist magazines" eh? (Nudge, nudge, wink wink)

KittyKrap · 25/04/2016 12:02

It's really sad but I'd only go in there once a year, just before Christmas for paper and assorted tat for DCs stockings when I was a poor single parent. If you timed it right there was always a massive discount.

PennyDreadfuI · 25/04/2016 12:02

I feel so sad for the staff. 11000 people - some who will have worked there for decades - on the dole and immediately branded 'scroungers' (DH was made redundant after working all his life a few years ago and we immediately started getting letters from the Jobcentre about being a 'workless household' - he found another job fairly quickly before he had to go on ridiculous numeracy courses and so on, when his previous job was in a bank). We treat the unemployed appallingly in this country.

However. I can't shed any tears for BHS as a company. That's the nature of capitalism - if you can't compete, you sink. I'm not saying I approve, but there it is. I sort of feel the same when local businesses complain that they can't compete with supermarkets and chains - you choose to enter the capitalist fray, so don't moan when it works against you.

Totally agree that Edinburgh BHS is like a time-capsule though. Me and DH were there last year and although I've not been in a BHS for years (apart from to have a wee in their toilets) I just had to go in. It was like stepping back into my 80s childhood. They should keep that one open and turn it into a tourist attraction Smile

PeaceLoveAndJaffaCakes · 25/04/2016 12:04

The bloody self-service tills still try and flog the crap to you, though! I'm not taking liberties like that off a machine.

FrikkaDilla · 25/04/2016 12:17

BHS are only slightly worse than Debenhams; I've been expecting both of them to fold for years. IMO they are both grim.

(I do remember BHS selling food years ago and their deli counter was fab)

PennyDreadfuI · 25/04/2016 12:19

They've just gone into administration, the BBC says

FatPaul · 25/04/2016 12:21

I'm not surprised about BHS, they're stuck in the 1980's.

I like their lighting dept though.

PeaceLoveAndJaffaCakes · 25/04/2016 12:22

I actually regularly shop in Debenhams for children's clothes, make up and bras. I would definitely miss them. Their stores are also tidy and clean in my limited experience.

I've started using their cafe for DS's lunch because they do a children's Carvery for a few quid which he actually eats, instead of a sandwich in a coffee shop which ends up on the floor. The staff are very hit and miss, though, and were fairly rude to me last week. Grrr. I wouldn't go back if it weren't for him.

madamginger · 25/04/2016 12:23

The Bhs in our local town is used as a cut through from the shopping centre car park and seems fairly busy as a result but 1/4 of the floor space is a dotty p concession.
I've not bought anything there in years, it's a sea of polyester and shiny man made fabric.

LurkingHusband · 25/04/2016 12:24

I actually regularly shop in Debenhams for children's clothes,

When we started letting DS choose his own clothes, he made a bee-line for BHS, and selected some pretty decent togs ... he was about 11,12 ...

freshprincess · 25/04/2016 12:27

Ours is a home wares only one and it's great. All my light fittings are from there. Was actually planning to go there at the weekend as I want some new ones for the bedroom.

I still miss Woolies, the old site is a B&M now but it's just not the same.

Makinglists · 25/04/2016 12:32

Sad for the staff, very sad.
Otherwise the only thing I've used bhs for in the last year is the loos and cheap dvds for the dcs

Buglife · 25/04/2016 12:35

Well the website is crashing at the moment so I guess people are looking for a bargain. I'm trying to get some kids clothes. I remember my Mum shopping there all the time in the 90's and the home stuff has always been good. But the one in my town was grim and it's gone now and a Primark is opening on the site.

doubleginplease · 25/04/2016 12:36

I am surprised they have lasted as long as they have!

DownstairsMixUp · 25/04/2016 12:42

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 25/04/2016 12:44

I obviously feel heartily sorry and upset for the thousands of people about to lose their jobs.. No one wishes that on and anyone
The only time I'd go in there was at Christmas. They'd have nice and quirky stuff then, other than that. I was barely away of its existence.

PeaceLoveAndJaffaCakes · 25/04/2016 12:51

DS is only 1 so I still get to choose for him Grin I got him some BHS clothes when he was about 9mo but they frayed quickly Confused

PeaceLoveAndJaffaCakes · 25/04/2016 12:51

DS is only 1 so I still get to choose for him Grin I got him some BHS clothes when he was about 9mo but they frayed quickly Confused

tilliebob · 25/04/2016 12:58

My brother is currently AWOL
since yesterday as his job and therefore flat and probably pension will be no more.

I give slightly more than two hoots.

tilliebob · 25/04/2016 12:58

My brother is currently AWOL
since yesterday as his job and therefore flat and probably pension will be no more.

I give slightly more than two hoots.

KeyserSophie · 25/04/2016 12:58

Going into administration does not mean that they will necessarily cease to trade immediately. Administration is not liquidation. Administration means that the directors are now operating under the supervision of the administrator (appointed by the courts) as there is a risk of "trading whilst insolvent" which is illegal. Appointing an administrator basically protects the directors. The administrator looks at the company and decides what to do - their responsibility is to protect the creditors of the company, which includes the employees, the tax man, the landlords and the suppliers. That isn't to say that the administrator won't liquidate, just that it's not automatic.

Bambambini · 25/04/2016 12:59

I'll be sad to see it go. Used to go in the 70's with my mum for our lunch. I remember the paper plates with a circus train and the animals going round the edge of the plate.

I like their home ware stuff or how it used to be as our local store only has a tiny homeward section now - the lights are still nice. I think John Lewis is over rated.

HolditFinger · 25/04/2016 12:59

Our local BHS is being replaced with a Primark. I'd rather have BHS personally. I'll miss their kids clothes!

PeaceLoveAndJaffaCakes · 25/04/2016 13:08

Really sorry to hear about your brother tilliebob, I think the general consensus is that everyone is feeling very sad for the staff.

UptownFlunk · 25/04/2016 13:43

Ours went last year and is being replaced by Primark. I have to say that most people in the city wanted a Primark (we are a bit behind the times) and were happy for BHS to go in order to have one. Feel very sorry for the staff though.

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