BHS team launches #SaveBHS Campaign

As takeover rumours continue to swirl following British Home Stores (BHS) collapse into administration, the team of the 88-year retailers launches its own crusade to garner up support.

The high street retailer has launched a national 'guerrilla' style campaign featuring the slogan '#SaveBHS' and sees BHS projecting the hashtag on numerous landmarks across the UK. The campaign was inspired by the 11,000 employees working at BHS, who are keen to ensure the survival of the British department store group.

The '#SaveBHS' slogan was projected onto the Blackfriars Bridge, Marble Arch and Wellington Arch in London on Monday night, as well as the Marylebone Road, London head office. The slogan will be used online as well to encourage a social media campaign to garner public support for BHS. "The #SaveBHS campaign speaks on behalf of the 11,000 staff at risk and our millions of customers all over the UK who do not want to see another British institution disappear from the great British high street," commented Tony Holdway, marketing and creative director of BHS.

"We have received overwhelming support from staff, customers and suppliers, since the announcement. These are people who have shopped with us, worked with or for us, often for many years, and always saw BHS as a permanent fixture on their high street. We ask that everyone join us in support of British Home Stores, tweet or Instagram us with your messages using #SaveBHS. We do not intend to go down without a fight."

Other staff members at BHS have voiced their support for the campaign, such as Simon Lamb, store manager from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, who has worked with BHS for 27 years. "We all want to do is get on with the job we are meant to do. It would be accurate to say the Dunkirk spirit has taken over and everyone is getting on with their jobs with dignity," said Lamb.

"No one is holding their heads in their hands thinking about what might be. Most have been here for many years and almost regard it as their second family. They really are fantastic and are giving everything to ensure our survival and 99 percent of customers who are coming into the store have been brilliant. This is my seventh store and I’ve been with BHS man and boy and the attitude has been the same wherever I’ve been; working here is like a vocation."

Photo: BHS campaign