BHS could see its return to the high street under new ownership

Despite the closure of the remaining BHS stores this weekend, the British department store group may see a return to the UK under the guidance of the new Qatari owner, Al Mana Group.

The retail group, which previously acquired BHS international portfolio and online enterprise from administrators Duff & Phelps, is said to be contemplating opening new BHS stores in the UK. However, the Doha based group is not looking forward to entering this venture alone and is looking for a partner to operate a "handful" of stores in the UK, possibly via a franchise model reported the Guardian. However, the new BHS stores are unlikely to closely resemble their predecessors as the group is likely to position the retailer as an more upmarket store, said sources.

Al Mana operates stores for Harvey Nichols, Mango and Zara in the Middle East. The group purchased 70 overseas BHS stores together with its online business, which employs 150 people, out of administration in June. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. At the moment the group is currently working on revamping BHS website, which is set to relaunch this autumn.