BHS to go head to head with M&S and Primark

The new boss at BHS, Darren Topp, has stepped up and made a solemn promise to restore the struggling retailer’s positioning on the high street.

In order to ensure that the renewed BHS secures its spot, its new strategy will focus on keeping “Primark at one end [of the street] and Marks & Spencer at the other,” according to Topp. In his first interview since Retail Acquisitions took over BHS from Arcadia Group owner Sir Philip Green for one pound, Topp explained the firm’s assertive comeback scheme for the retailer.

“We recognise that there is a lot to do, but it is fixable,” said Topp to The Times. “We have got stores in some fantastic locations and people who are prepared to go the extra mile. I’m not leading this business to close it down.” The aggressive turnaround strategy includes stores outsourcing all current cafes and restaurants to the catering group Compass, whilst opening an additional 20 food convenience stores during the summer following the successful trial run in stores in Romford, Staines and Warrington.

BHS has signed a deal with Booker Group, who will be the exclusive food supplier for its new convenience stores, which will also create 250 new jobs within the retailer. “These two strategic deals marks the start of a new journey for BHS: we aim to surprise consumers with an expanded range of products and services and to return this iconic and very British brand to the hearts of people across the country,” added Topp.

"This strategic alliance with Britain’s best foodservice company will lead to greater investment in BHS stores…this frees up my team to focus on what we do best: sourcing and selling great home products and clothing at great prices, whilst allowing BHS to expand into the new areas.”

The current product range will be expanded and built upon to include categories such as “market-leading” lighting, quality and well-priced clothing, childrenswear and school wear, as well as essential home items and home ware. The retailer also aims to explore international expansion opportunities, which account for 100 million pounds of BHS annual sales, and open up to 90 additional stores.