Our History

Since Bhs first opened its doors in 1928, we've become a major High Street presence and much loved household name with over 185 Stores across the country, including a growing number of 'stand alone' Home Stores, over 18 franchise stores overseas and a Home Shopping experience now launched.

Through a team of more than 12,000 talented individuals we provide a great shopping experience to our customers through stylish fashion ranges and homewares at prices representing outstanding value. In addition most of our stores have restaurants and coffee lounges providing our guests with tempting food in a welcoming and inviting environment.

But we've won our success in a competitive market, and we know that we won't continue to be successful if we stand still. That’s why we’re always focusing on what customers want: breathing new life into our stores, introducing new product lines, new styles, new displays and new experiences. Just take a look at our chain of Home Stores - beautifully designed retail experiences focusing exclusively on products for the home. Innovations like these give individuals at Bhs the chance to excel by doing what they love: providing great customer service and high quality products.

That’s not just good news for our customers - it's good news for you too. Because of the changes we're putting in place there are more opportunities than ever before to develop a fast-moving, high-flying retail career at Bhs. We're a privately owned company, so change here is fast, and Bhs is constantly evolving. If you're the kind of person who wants to work somewhere with a bit of momentum, then Bhs is for you.

TimeLine - 80+ years

1928: The first British Home Store opened in Brixton. The highest price was a shilling! We sold fashions, home and lighting with self-service cafés and a food hall.
1931: The Company was floated on the stock exchange and became a public Company (plc).
1945: Price was no longer our sole marketing strategy - a policy of quality and value-for-money was introduced.
1951: The employee trust fund was set up, now called SOS: Supporting our Staff.
1985: The first franchise store opened in Gibraltar followed by many others in Europe and Middle East, which mirror the appearance of our UK stores, and sell most UK ranges, operating under licence from Bhs.
1986: Merger with Habitat and Mothercare to form Storehouse plc. Design had a stronger presence within our ranges and store design. 'Bhs' replaced British Home Stores as the registered Company name with a new logo and corporate image.
1998: Our first store dedicated exclusively to homewares was opened in Bath.
2000: Sir Philip Green bought Bhs and it became a private Company with the aim of being 'The Best in the High Street'.
2003: Bhs celebrated 75 years in business.
2005: Bhs purchased Tammy and opened the 1st stand alone Home Store, following the purchase of several former Allders at Home sites.
2006: Bhs International launched a new franchise “British Kids” in the Middle East.
2007: Bhs launched its home shopping website.
2009: Philip Green operationally integrated Bhs into the Arcadia Group to make the businesses more streamlined and efficient. Bhs continued to increase the Home Stores portfolio, with 3 more stand alone Stores opening this year.
The Arcadia Group includes Top Shop, Top Man, Miss Selfridge, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins, Evans and Burtons.

Today: We continue our commitment to delivering a great shopping experience to our customers, through stylish fashion ranges, homewares and food services, all at outstanding value.