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Original poster

Shocked - BHS

41 replies

Virgil · 23/02/2013 08:56

It isn't just for old ladies! (either that or maybe Im getting old!). It has THE best lighting department. Honestly I would never have thought about looking in there and they have loads and loads of lovely lights. I'm really impressed. Just wanted to share.

OP posts:
fabbadabbado · 23/02/2013 09:55

I know!! Lighting good and I bought loads of great towels there as was looking for bright colours, also get my doormats and barrier mats there. I do tend to order online as they often do discount codes (last order was 24% off for 24 hours) and also, the shops themeselves are still popular with the old lady brigade, who also staff the tills ...

lalalonglegs · 23/02/2013 11:09

The lighting is a revelation, I found some great stuff for a friend's house there - do still feel embarrassed that someone I know will see me going in or out though and won't know I'm only there for the lighting Blush.

Bunbaker · 23/02/2013 11:18

"It has THE best lighting department."

I know Grin. I had a Saturday job in their lighting department many years ago. We were always busy. They do nice towels ans bedding as well.

Most of their clothes are a bit old ladyish, but it is always worth popping in because occasionally they have some really nice clothes. I bought a fab maxi dress there last year.

ElsieMc · 23/02/2013 11:46

Watch out, their customer service is crap though. Loads of online complaints.

Bunbaker · 23/02/2013 12:09

"Watch out, their customer service is crap though"

That hasn't been my experience at all. In fact I would rate their customer service very highly.

AgentProvocateur · 23/02/2013 12:15

Bunbaker, I worked in the lighting dept as a Saturday job about 30 years ago. God, it was so hot under all these lights!

Bunbaker · 23/02/2013 12:17

"God, it was so hot under all these lights!"

Wasn't it just. I worked there during the long hot summer of 1976 and I sweated buckets - and we weren't allowed to have bare legs either, we had to wear tights!

Lilymaid · 23/02/2013 12:37

I'm old and it has always been the best inexpensive lighting department - we have bought many items from there over 30+ years (remember Prova). I wouldn't go into the shop for any other reason.

Rhubarbgarden · 23/02/2013 14:34

Yep. BHS homewares v good.

Ihatemytoes · 23/02/2013 17:13

I've recently rediscovered them. Got some fab cushions, and a lovely toaster in there recently. And they do free delivery on orders over £30.

Littlemissexpecting · 23/02/2013 17:39

We have one near us on a retail park. It's just a home store, no clothes but right next door to Laura Ashley, next at home etc and its always got more people in.
We got our cushions there and I was very surprised.

beachyhead · 23/02/2013 17:45

My mum always said 'BHS for lights and hats!' That must have been 30 years ago Grin

21march · 23/02/2013 18:57

My mother bought my school towels and linen there thirty years ago.

They're still doing good service, though my nametapes have worn through on some of them!

They do gorgeous inexpensive chandeliers in both modern and traditional styles. I've read somewhere that Philip Green's wife is an interior designer and gives him the final nod on stock Hmm

moggiek · 23/02/2013 19:36

Virgil - what a revelation! Just looked on their site, some really fab stuff at great prices. I have to admit I haven't even thought about BHS in years!

Original poster
Virgil · 23/02/2013 21:11

I found a discount code too! Have just ordered a ceiling light in the perfect style. Very pleased and shall be telling everyone in RL about BHS!

OP posts:
landofsoapandglory · 23/02/2013 21:14

BHS has always had a good lighting department. I remember my parents buying lights there for our house when I was a child 30+ years ago.

They had some lovely bed linen in the window the other day too.

auntpetunia · 24/02/2013 08:41

Another one who worked in lighting on a Saturday! We also had to wear flesh tights and blouses with neck tie and a fabulous polyester pinafore in airforce blue. Gorgeous and sooo hot under those lights.

Bunbaker · 24/02/2013 09:42

They were very formal and strict to work for. We weren't allowed to use first names for anyone with a higher status than ourselves, so it was Miss this, Mrs that, Mr so-and-so etc and the managers never called us by our christian names either (this was 1976).

steppemum · 24/02/2013 10:04

beachyhead - my mum has always said the same! BHS for lights!

Cremolafoam · 24/02/2013 10:16

Bhs lighting dep has always been good . I'm afraid I agree about customer service tho . Have had 2 unpleasant experiences with them.
Still they also do V&A horockses bedding . Vair posh
Confused

Bunbaker · 24/02/2013 10:31

I think the customer service must vary in different stores. The service in the Meadowhall branch has been exceptionally good.

jaynebxl · 25/02/2013 06:17

Our local BHS has been totally revamped and no longer feels like the same store. Great service, lovely cafe for taking kids to and some nice kids' clothes. I was shocked!

GrandPoohBah · 25/02/2013 11:00

I love BHS for all homewares, not just lighting - I've had some great stuff there, most recent was a knitted throw for the sofa.

I tell people and they look at me like I'm bonkers!

ISeeSmallPeople · 25/02/2013 11:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

fluffiphlox · 25/02/2013 11:49

In the 1980s, BHS sold about 30% of the country's lighting. The market is much more fragmented now but I believe the quality and design is still good